The Power of the Underdog: Underdogs, Trauma Recovery, and Why Real Stories Matter
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I don’t usually get political, but if you like rooting for the underdog, then this week’s 2026 midterm election was epic. I was truly joyous about the election results across the country. People who were royally underestimated won a near-legendary victory. I loved it. People of color, people who are true to their religious beliefs, people who aren’t afraid to keep silent about the state of the country. They showed up, and the voters came through for them.
This theme is at the heart of nearly every novel I’ve written. My characters are rarely the
powerful or privileged. They’re survivors. They’re people who have been hurt, overlooked, dismissed, or counted out. Yet somehow, they find the strength to rise above their circumstances.
Maybe that’s because I’ve always identified with the underdog myself. Or maybe I simply love a good hero story.
I believe we need more stories about people discovering their own strength. More stories about courage, resilience, and recovery. Many of my novels involve characters overcoming trauma, abusive relationships, or difficult circumstances. Too often, trauma becomes little more than a plot device or character trait. It is mentioned, but seldom explored with the weight it deserves.
For me, trauma and recovery are deeply personal subjects. They have shaped my life and, in many ways, my writing.
I will probably say this a hundred more times in my lifetime, but I believe fiction is at its most powerful when it reflects reality. While fantasy and escapism certainly have their place, the stories that stay with me are the ones that help me understand myself and the world around me.
That’s why I write about healing as much as I write about romance. The journey toward recovery can be just as satisfying as finding love.
One thing that stood out to me in this election.
James Talarico has stated that the real fight in this country is not left versus right, but top versus bottom. He argues that the wealthiest individuals and their interests are at the center of political divisions, and that the people at the top work to keep the populace divided and divided against them. Talarico emphasizes that the fight is about unity and reclaiming power from those who exploit the working class, rather than merely opposing left or right ideologies.
I find myself noticing this everywhere. We live in a culture deeply fascinated by wealth, status, and celebrity. Entire industries are built around following the lives of the rich and famous. Even in fiction, some of the most popular romances center on billionaires and powerful elites. To me, this is the most damaging aspect of our culture. We venerate the rich at our own peril. People shouldn't have that much more than everyone else. No. I am not a communist. But I believe in equality. And I am very much against the cult of the rich.
I write stories about people facing real challenges. Sometimes money plays a role in their struggles because I’ve known financial hardship firsthand. For much of my life, I lived paycheck to paycheck before earning my degree and finding greater stability. Those experiences shaped the way I view the world and the characters I create.
So, this week, let’s celebrate the underdogs. Let’s raise a glass to the people who keep going despite the odds. The people who are underestimated, overlooked, and told they aren’t enough.
Their stories matter. And they deserve to be remembered.
📚 Book 4: A Karma to Kill For — Out Now
Book 4 is brutal, emotional, and the buildup to Book 5 is intense. I take you on a rollercoaster of romantic drama, trauma recovery, and hard‑won strength. It’s one ride you don’t want to miss.
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