Writing The Lines We Draw: Crafting Kyson and Livie's Story with Real-Life Inspiration

When I started writing The Lines We Draw, the second book in the Grand Mesa Men series, I knew it would be deeply personal. This story, centered around Kyson and Livie, is full of themes that resonate with me—love, loss, and the incredible bond between people and animals. Drawing from my own experiences, particularly my time working at an animal shelter, has made this book one of the most heartfelt projects I’ve ever worked on.

My Time at Journey Home: Lessons That Shaped the Story

For two years, I worked in development at Journey Home Animal Shelter, but I spent a lot of time with the vet staff. Watching them care for animals, seeing the compassion and skill they brought to their work, and even photographing surgeries gave me a whole new appreciation for veterinary medicine and the incredible people behind it.

That experience directly influenced the character of Livie, who is the veterinarian in The Lines We Draw. She’s not just a character to me—she’s a reflection of the real-life heroes I had the privilege of observing. The time I spent witnessing their care and dedication helped me make Livie feel real, grounded, and relatable.

The Unbreakable Bond Between Humans and Dogs

Another deeply personal aspect of this book is the focus on the unique and powerful bond between people and their dogs. It’s a bond like no other, and I wanted that connection to be a central part of Kyson and Livie’s story.

Kyson has a dog in the book, and at one point, he gives Livie a dog as well. These moments weren’t just plot points—they were love letters to the dogs I’ve had in my own life.

I’ve lost dogs unexpectedly and in traumatic ways, and those losses have left permanent imprints on my heart. My rescue dog Hercules came home with me from Journey Home on hospice care. He lived with us for an entire year. He was at least 15 years old, had significant medical issues, and passed away after a brief battle with an infection. Despite our short time together, he brought so much love into my life.

Then there was Rosco, my boxer and my best friend. Losing him was sudden, devastating, and something I still struggle to talk about. I carry him with me every day—literally, with his paw tattooed on the front of my right shoulder. The love I had for him and the grief I feel at his loss made their way into this story, giving Kyson’s connection with his dog an emotional depth that comes from lived experience.

Writing Through the Pain

I won’t lie—writing about these emotions was hard. Drawing from the raw, painful parts of my life wasn’t easy, but it made the story stronger. There’s something powerful about channeling your own experiences into your work, even when it hurts. Some of my best writing has come from those places, and The Lines We Draw is no exception.

For me, using real-life experiences makes a story more relatable. It grounds the characters in reality and connects them to readers in meaningful ways. I hope that Kyson and Livie’s journey captures the love, loss, and resilience that so many of us experience in our relationships with the animals who change our lives.

A Love Letter to the Journey

The Lines We Draw isn’t just Kyson and Livie’s story—it’s also mine. It’s a love letter to the time I spent at Journey Home, to the dogs I’ve loved and lost, and to the people who dedicate their lives to saving animals. It’s about finding strength in the hard moments and allowing those experiences to shape us into something better.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Writing this book has been both healing and inspiring, and I can’t wait to share it with you. If you’ve ever loved and lost a pet or been changed by an animal, I hope this story resonates with you as deeply as it does with me.

Stay tuned for updates on Kyson and Livie’s story, and as always, thank you for supporting the Grand Mesa Men series.