A lunch conversation with Kimberly Thompson sparked a book that blends career growth, networking, and Scripture, and reminded me why I love helping ideas come to life.
Let me tell you a story about how a dream became a book.
When I met Kim, I was a section editor for the Houston Chronicle’s Custom Publications department. One of the sections I worked on was Jobs, where she was already publishing a weekly column, and she continues to do so to this day.
After nine-plus years in that role, I was ready for a new step in my own career.
Around that same time, Kim and I had lunch, and she shared something that stayed with me. She told me she had never found a book for job seekers or professionals who wanted career growth while also drawing encouragement from Scripture.
I remember telling her, “If you can’t find it, write it.”
And she did.
By January 2026, those columns had become the book “Quiet Courage: Build Career Connections with Confidence.” At the heart of the story is Lela, a talented professional who learns that moving forward in her career takes more than skill alone. It takes courage, honest conversations, and a willingness to be seen.
As Kim’s editor, I had the joy of helping shape those pages into a quick, meaningful read with heart and purpose. Through Lela’s journey, readers are reminded that networking is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is about being intentional, building real connections, and trusting that small steps can lead to real growth.
What began as an idea became a reality through creative writing, collaboration, meetings at our favorite coffee shop, late-night emails, and a shared belief that stories and a strong spiritual foundation can guide, encourage, and open doors to new opportunities.
This has been a learning experience for both of us, and for me, a reminder of how much I love helping bring ideas to life. This is my second book as an editor, and each project reminds me that sometimes all a dream needs is a voice, a page, and someone willing to help shape it into something real.
If you dream it, write it.
And if you have a story in your heart, maybe this is your sign to begin.
