Finding Inspiration in Fiction
📖 It's never too late to find your pathway
Have you ever thought of reading a romance or historical fiction novel as a form of self-discovery? One of the reasons I love these genres so much is the transformative journeys of their main characters. I find their story arcs incredibly inspiring, especially when they end in a happily ever after of some kind.
Whether it's a romance novel or a historical tale, the journey of growth and self-discovery it’s often the same. One or more protagonists start out facing challenges or realizing changes they need to make. Over the course of the story, they grow, evolve, and ultimately become better versions of themselves, finding happiness, resolution, or a renewed sense of purpose.
I love the feeling when you get the resolution at the end!
Authors carefully craft these paths, mapping out a character’s starting point and leading them toward their ideal ending. In real life, however, it’s not always so easy to see our own starting and ending points. Life is messy, filled with distractions and doubts, making it hard to envision where we want to go or how to get there. That’s why I find so much inspiration in these fictional arcs—they remind us that transformation is possible.
I particularly love reading about characters who reach their happy endings after navigating significant personal growth. It’s also one of the reasons I love coaching clients—helping them identify their own story arcs, take actionable steps, and create their version of success. It’s such a rewarding process to witness.
I would love to hear your thoughts. Do you enjoy self-discovery in the books you read?
Here are 3 books to check out where the main characters take their own path in their own way.
Queenie of Norwich by L.K. Wilde
Theme: Self-discovery, resilience, and finding love while embracing one’s true self.
When you're sold by your mother, it takes extraordinary courage to survive, thrive, and beat the odds... based on a true story.
People say you get one life, but I've lived three.
I was born Ellen Hardy in 1900, dragged up in Queen Caroline's Yard, Norwich.
There was nothing royal about our yard, and Mum was no queen.At six years old Mum sold me. I became Nellie Westrop, roaming the country in a showman's wagon, learning the art of the fair.
And I've been the infamous Queenie of Norwich, moving up in the world by any means, legal or not.
I've been heart broken, abandoned, bought and sold, but I've never, ever given up.
After all, it's not where you start that's important, but where you end up. Check it out HERE.
The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman
Theme: Rediscovery after loss, personal growth, and opening up to love again.
Lilian Girvan has been a single mother for three years—ever since her husband died in a car accident. One mental breakdown and some random suicidal thoughts later, she’s just starting to get the hang of this widow thing. She can now get her two girls to school, show up to work, and watch TV like a pro. The only problem is she’s becoming overwhelmed with being underwhelmed.
At least her textbook illustrating job has some perks—like actually being called upon to draw whale genitalia. Oh, and there’s that vegetable-gardening class her boss signed her up for. Apparently, being the chosen illustrator for a series of boutique vegetable guides means getting your hands dirty, literally. Wallowing around in compost on a Saturday morning can’t be much worse than wallowing around in pajamas and self-pity.
After recruiting her kids and insanely supportive sister to join her, Lilian shows up at the Los Angeles botanical garden feeling out of her element. But what she’ll soon discover—with the help of a patient instructor and a quirky group of gardeners—is that into every life a little sun must shine, whether you want it to or not... Check it out HERE.
The Engineer’s Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood
Theme: Empowerment, self-discovery, and love within the context of historical challenges.
She built the Brooklyn Bridge, so why don't you know her name?
Emily Roebling built a monument for all time. Then she was lost in its shadow. Discover the fascinating woman who helped design and construct the Brooklyn Bridge.
Emily refuses to live conventionally—she knows who she is and what she wants, and she's determined to make change. But then her husband asks the unthinkable: give up her dreams to make his possible.
Emily's fight for women's suffrage is put on hold, and her life transformed when her husband Washington Roebling, the Chief Engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge, is injured on the job. Untrained for the task, but under his guidance, she assumes his role, despite stern resistance and overwhelming obstacles. But as the project takes shape under Emily's direction, she wonders whose legacy she is building—hers, or her husband's. As the monument rises, Emily's marriage, principles, and identity threaten to collapse. When the bridge finally stands finished, will she recognize the woman who built it?
Based on the true story of an American icon, The Engineer's Wife delivers an emotional portrait of a woman transformed by a project of unfathomable scale, which takes her into the bowels of the East River, suffragette riots, the halls of Manhattan's elite, and the heady, freewheeling temptations of P.T. Barnum. The biography of a husband and wife determined to build something that lasts—even at the risk of losing each other. (I love this books!) Check it out HERE.
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Something I’m especially excited about in both romance and historical fiction is the growing number of main characters in their late 30s, 40s, and even 50s. It’s refreshing and empowering to see characters of all ages finding their pathway because we all deserve one—no matter when or where we start.
For me, starting my first business in my late 30s felt like a massive shift. It was the first time I truly felt like I was stepping into my authentic self, for no one other than myself. Now, in my 40s, I’m excited to be launching a second business,
, with business owner, coach, and author, Caroline Jane Knight who you can find at .Not only do I feel deeply passionate about the work I’m doing, but I also get to collaborate with Caroline, who as successful business owner and coach has helped me grow my own business over the last few years. I love working with a like-minded creative!
Although she had a successful career rising all the way to being a CEO of a multi-million dollar agency, Caroline didn’t start her own business until her early 40’s. We share our experiences to help you see that your story arc can happen at any age, as long as your willing to step into the journey.
You can follow Caroline and hear more about her story at
.Everyone’s path in life is different and at
, we are all about helping you to find your path, your way.If you’re an author or creative looking to find your own path to success, you can check out our podcasts about what The Austen Pathway is all about HERE.
We focus on business, marketing, and mindset strategies to help you increase your sales, connect with your audience, and create a path to success that’s entirely your own.
It’s your path, your way.
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Thanks for the suggestions and inspiration! And I’d love to see a romance with characters in their 60s myself. 😊