Sixteen-year-old Tessa Johnson thinks she might love the creative writing program of the prestigious art school that she’s been accepted to. For the first time in her life, she’s found a place where she actually fits. She’s excited to join the writer’s group and let her inner wordsmith take flight.
But when she heads to her first workshop, the words fly all right—fly right out the door and leave her with writer’s block. And she begins to panic, wondering if the school might give her the boot.
So, Tessa turns to her BFF Caroline, who also just happens to be her most devoted reader. And Caroline suggests that her friend do what every great writer does: find inspiration.
Tessa starts working to stir up her inner muse with some real-life story. Hey, a romance might do. And the good-looking Nico looks similar to one of Tessa’s romantic heroes. So, he’ll do, too.
But few small issues crop up in the process. As Tessa begins checking her way through the romance novel-inspired steps to a happily-ever-after, she starts to realize that her plans are requiring quite a bit of lying and manipulation. Oh yeah, and there’s the little matter of having to get rid of Nico’s current model-like, perfect girlfriend.
And wouldn’t you know it, even though Tessa begins to make progress with Nico, she still can’t write. And the lies to hide that fact from the school are beginning to pile up and impact the good relationships she has with her family and supportive friends, including the kind boy-next-door, Sam.
Man, this writing stuff is tougher than you’d think.