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
