Welcome to From My Desk

I'm glad you're here.

When I decided to start this journal, I didn't want it to be another place to simply promote my books. I wanted it to be a place where I could share the stories behind the stories.

Writing has always been more than putting words on a page for me. It's how I explore difficult questions, understand people, and make sense of experiences that aren't always easy to explain.

That's what you'll find here.

Sometimes I'll share what inspired a scene or character. Sometimes I'll talk about the writing process. Other times I'll recommend books I've enjoyed, share updates from my office, or write about the themes that matter most to me: healing, identity, courage, relationships, and hope.

Why I Write

When I wrote The Fall, I wasn't interested in creating perfect characters or easy answers.

I wanted to write about people who feel real.

People who struggle.

People who make mistakes.

People who slowly discover they are stronger than they believed.

Claire's story is fictional, but the emotions she experiences are ones many readers recognize. That's one reason writing this novel meant so much to me.

Stories have the ability to help us see ourselves differently. Sometimes they remind us we're not alone. Sometimes they help us ask questions we weren't ready to ask before.

That's the kind of story I hope to write.

Life Outside the Pages

I live in the North Georgia mountains with my husband and our two golden retrievers, Marley and Willow.

Some of my best ideas don't happen at my desk. They happen while walking outside, sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee, or watching the mountains change with the seasons or chasing waterfalls.

Those quieter moments often find their way into my writing, too.

What You'll Find Here

From time to time I'll share:

• Behind-the-scenes looks at my writing process.

• The inspiration behind my books and characters.

• Book recommendations.

• Reflections on storytelling.

• Updates on upcoming projects and events.

• A few glimpses of life here in the North Georgia mountains.

My hope is that this becomes more than a blog.

I hope it becomes a place where readers who enjoy thoughtful stories feel at home.

Thank you for stopping by.

Whether you've already read The Fall or are simply getting to know my work, I appreciate you being here.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Warmly,

Tina Messineo