Book Outline
Act I: Setup - Isolation and Awakening
Routine & Restlessness – An Ordinary Day
Introduction of Lila’s daily life. How she wakes up in her quiet house to go to work with a routine day. The hints that she wishes for something more.
As she goes home, it shows how she is living a solitary life and longing for connections with others.
Echoes of the Past
Flashbacks to criticism, discouragement and a toxic upbringing - especially from her mother. We hear her mother’s harsh words about not being “feminine enough” or “good enough.” She has not fit in with her family and has cut off contact.
We also will delve into her internal dialogue—how she sees herself and the internalized negativity, the roots of her self-doubt, and the impact on her confidence.
The Unspoken Rules
There are Challenges at work as a neurodivergent woman since the standards are different for men vs women.
Highlight interactions with coworkers that reinforce societal standards and her insecurities.
Art Fair
It is the weekend, decided to try something new and attends a local art show alone, feeling both inspired by the art and intimidated by the confident artists.
Loving created art but has been struggling with inspiration. Too scared to exhibit or sell her art from when here mom told her - “who would buy anything from you?”
A Lonely Canvas
At home she attempts to finished one of her projects, but all the flaws made her doubt her ability. Who would want any of these pieces?
The looking at the chaos, which provided more anxiety and why she can’t finish the existing projects or start any of her ideas.
Workplace Walls
Interactions at work highlight her isolation and neurodivergence.
Interactions at work are awkward; she struggles with small talk and feels misunderstood.
Completed a project, but the more extroverted coworker got most the credit, making her feel unseen.
Romance Escapes
Coming home and retreating to books to escape reality – hoping to find some hope in a favorite romance novel.
Wishing that her life could be like a book, that friends, love, and finding a greater purpose would happen.
Depressed, since the reality of our world is it is unlikely I will find this, since I am different.
Seeds of Change
What if - she decides that something has to change and she decides to go on her own hero’s journey?
Time for a plan: First by exploring self-help books, finding a therapist and setting up an appointment.
First Appointment
This is where she meets Dr. Rosa Mendez and Lila shares her story
She starts to journal as recommended to explore her emotions.
The Book Club
As recommended by Mr. Mendez, Lila decided to join an organization. She found a romance book club held at a local bar the 1st & 3rd Wednesday, with the next meeting being next week, plenty of time to read the book.
This anxiety is causing the voices of her family and past bullies come into her head.
Unspoken Connections
She attends the group, facing her social anxiety. She introduces herself and quietly listening to the others talk and does talk about the book a bit. They had read “The Friend Zone” by Abby Jimenez.
She gets to know the main members and receives a a warm welcoming, putting her a bit at ease, making her decide to come back in a couple weeks for the next book.
Setting Goals
To make progress, there needs to be a list. She decides to set goals in order to track her progress and stay on course. Of course there is a spreadsheet.,,
Research and work with her therapist to help make this commitment to love herself more and seek happiness.
A Spark Ignites
First Step: Facing the piles of unfinished and supplies for art concepts. In all the books, the heroine starts to create art again as part of the journey.
She decides to start a new piece of art, feeling a flicker of confidence.
Act II: Confrontation - Healing & Connection
Critique & Courage
Being an introvert, putting myself out there has been hard. Social interactions don’t come naturally, so she decides to create a website and social media to share her art.
There is a fear of not being able to consistently post and a fear of internet trolls and negative criticism.
Old Voices Return
Echoes of her mother’s doubts, triggering a relapse in insecurity causing her to doubt herself and regress.
Continuing to journal to undercover the deeper roots of her insecurities and negative beliefs.
Building Connections
Attending Book Club - Continuing to get to know the other members better and more about them.
Since there was time between work and book club, she arrived early and started to talk to the bartender - Alex. She found him attractive, but her own prejudice against just being a bartender caused her to keep it superficial. There is also her own insecurity that someone that attractive may even be interested in someone like her.
Art Show Setback
She submits her work to a local show and is rejected.
She questions her talent and her anxiety spirals
A Helping Hand
She finds encouragement in unexpected places - talking Alex before book she discovers that there is more to him the she originally thought. It turns out that he is also an artist and has gone through rejection too, and encourages her to keep trying.
The other group members also offer support, deepens the friendship.
The Turning Point
More work in therapy and through journals. she re-commits to prioritizing self-compassion over societal approval.
She works on Cognitive Shifts – Practicing CBT exercises
Romance Revisited
Book Club: Relating to heroines in novels like The Kiss Quotient
Discussion on the challenges of being neurodivergent and dating.
Hidden Talents
She experiments with a new medium, discovering a unique style that excites her and not letting the rejection cause her to give up.
Decides to really put the effort in on a new collection for another upcoming show, but there is a short deadline to prepare.
Work-Life Collision
Her job demands increase, making it hard to balance work and art - since to be ready in time she would need to take some vacation days.
She considers quitting creating art since it is hard to find a struggle for balance.
Testing Limits
She steps out of her comfort zone: decides to wears a bold outfit that fits more with the personal of her characters in the books
She tries to flirt with Alex, sending a friend request when home that is accepted. She sends a message - seen but no reply
A feeling or rejection and like she made a fool out of herself.
Conflict and Clarity
This rejection forces her to choose between old patterns and embracing her growth.
Breakthroughs
Coming to book club, and facing seeing Alex again after the embarrassment. She does not bring up his not replying and pretends that nothing happened.
Sharing a personal story in book club about being reject by a close friend the prior year ago. This was an emotional release.
Related to the book: People we meet on Vacation by Emily Henry - how hard to read since she own experience was different.
Act III: Resolution - Transformation & Happiness
Unexpected Ally
Finds support from an unlikely source at work. Her colleague Morgan unexpectedly supports her artistic pursuits, bridging her two worlds.
She continues to work on her new collections and submits her sample pieces to the gallery.
Acts of Self-Love
Self-doubt resurfaces, but she recognizes her progress and refuses to give up.
Writing a letter to her mother and releasing old pain - but doing a ritualistic burning since sending it would be pointless.
She forgives herself for her past self-criticism and accepts the imperfections that make her unique.
Breakthrough
She has overcomes a major creative block, and is producing her best work yet for the project.
Suddenly she hears back that her work will be on display at the beginning of next months since there is an opening.
The Freak Out
Moments of self-doubt appear as she is now on a deadline
The reality of a show is on the horizon, the stress causes her to snap at her friends - a reactionary behavior.
True Friendship
She attends book club opens up fully and apologizes for her behavior.
She shares with the group about her stress and feeling insecure about the upcoming show.
She invites everyone - including Alex - to attend the opening show.
Showtime
The new portfolio is revealed at a show and it receives a positive reception.
Her friends from book club attend – she gets to celebrates with friends who value her for who she is.
Alex also attends and tells her that he is proud of her and for not giving up.
Being Vulnerable
She makes the conscious choice to tell him how she feels, risking rejection.
He doesn’t say anything and is just silent, causing her to bolt.
She feels like such an idiot, she should have known better than to put herself out there again.
New Beginnings
As she comes into Book Club, knowing she would see Alex her heart sinks. Why did she risk losing this group of friends and social interaction over love.
She knows that facing this will be hard, but she has done hard things before.
I am not sure what I want to happen with him… Yet.
Embracing Happiness (6 Months Later)
Lila reflects on her journey reflects on her growth and letting go of the past.
Relationship… I am not sure yet.
She continues to pursue her art and has found balance.
She encourages others to explore their own creative side and living authentically.
Book Concept
This novel follows Lila Harmon, a 44-year-old neurodivergent female engineer living in a mid-sized Midwest city. Scarred by a toxic upbringing and chronic loneliness, Lila struggles to find her place in the world. Her journey unfolds in three acts, each deepening her self-discovery, healing, and gradual movement toward happiness. Through therapy, self-help practices, and drawing inspiration from popular romance novels, Lila learns to overcome her insecurities and build meaningful relationships. The story is empathetic, inspirational, and highlights the transformative power of vulnerability, connection, and self-acceptance.
Key Points of Protagonist’s Journey
Facing and understanding the roots of her insecurity
Using cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness to manage anxiety
Seeking therapy and exploring different modalities
Finding inspiration and comfort in romance novels
Building friendships and a budding romance through shared interests
Letting go of the past, redefining her self-worth, and embracing happiness
Introduction
Setting: A Midwest city with restaurants, bars, and a thriving art scene.
Protagonist’s background: Childhood trauma, current isolation, daily engineering work, desire to find more – dreams of being an artist
Initial state: Lila's struggle with self-doubt and loneliness
Resolution
By the end of her journey, Lila has developed new friendships, grown into a loving relationship, and learned to value herself. She embraces happiness, not as a destination but as a daily practice. The novel closes with Lila hopeful for the future, embodying the lessons of vulnerability, connection, and self-acceptance.
Growth Techniques Referenced
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenging negative thoughts and building resilience
Mindfulness Meditation: Grounding herself in the present moment
Journaling: Processing emotions and tracking progress
Book Club Participation: Building social connections through shared interests
Creative Hobbies: Uncovering new passions and self-expression
Impact of Romance Novels
Lila often turns to popular romance novels for comfort and inspiration. Stories like The Kiss Quotient provide representation of neurodivergent protagonists, while XYZ explores overcoming the effects of toxic relationships. These novels help Lila envision her own growth and empower her to believe in the possibility of love and happiness.
Lila Harmon
44 year old single female with no kids. She has never been married and several relationships, but the longest lasting just under one year.
Occupation: Industrial Engineer. She has a stable job that pays decent, but there is something form her life missing.
Traits: Analytical, introverted, creative, loyal, struggles with social cues and sensory sensitivities
Backstory: Grew up with emotionally distant parents and a critical mother; developed a fear of rejection and a deep sense of loneliness
Growth Techniques: Journaling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, reading romance novels, creative problem-solving, joining interest-based clubs, and exploring her creative side creating Art
Main Characters
Dr. Rosa Mendez (Therapist): Compassionate, practical, specializes in neurodiversity and trauma recovery
The Book Club:
Hannah: Loves romance novels, helps Lila open up socially as an outgoing social extrovert. Invites her to try new things.
Josie: Being neurodivergent she has similar struggles, becomes a close confidant.
Olivia: Divorced, single mom of a teen leaving for college so alone for the first time in years…
Marcus: Gay, Pediatrician who is a hopeless romantic.
Alex TBD (Friend turned Love Interest): works in the evening as a bartender. Encouraging, skilled artist, potential romantic interest. Pushes protagonist out of her comfort zone, offers emotional and practical support.
Morgan TBD (Coworker): Colleague at engineering job, unexpectedly supportive. Observant, thoughtful, bridges gap between protagonist’s work and art worlds. Helps protagonist see value in both careers, offers workplace support for her artistic pursuits.
Mother (Antagonist): Protagonist’s estranged mother, source of past trauma. Critical, controlling, emotionally distant. Appears in flashbacks and a pivotal confrontation, representing the internalized negativity the protagonist must overcome.
Other Characters
TBD