Pepper writes stories that span the gamut from humorous to heartfelt, however the common theme is crossing boundaries. Pepper's unique stories often tackle taboo topics such as mental illness and homelessness. Readers will find themselves questioning their own sense of right and wrong, attraction and desire.
In addition to writing, the author is also an artist, an introverted recluse, a self proclaimed empath and a foodie. Pepper Pace can be contacted at: 
pepperpace.author@yahoo.com

Hayden Michaels had given six years of her life to MyKell before he informed her that things hadn’t been right for a while. He had met someone else. And that’s when she opened her eyes and saw the mess that she was; financially, emotionally and physically. Never able to maintain the discipline to carry through with any weight loss goal, Hayden makes a bold decision. She will throwaway an entire year of her life; moving towards her goals with no thought of pleasure or pain. 

As she recreates herself Hayden meets situations and people that help her to realize her worth, namely a man who has been written off by society. But the question becomes whether Hayden can accept the faults of someone else without allowing herself to go backwards?

The Throwaway Year

Todd gave Hayden a curious look as they ran on the treadmills side-by-side.  Finally he stopped his and climbed down.  Then he pressed the controls to slow Hayden's.  She looked at him in surprise for a moment before it came to a complete stop.


"You've been running hard for nearly the entire time.  What happened to intervals?"


"I was?"  She couldn't believe that, but she had been so deep in thought that she had forgotten to switch down to a fast walk.  She didn't even realize that she could run like that without even feeling it.  For a moment, she put aside the thoughts that had been nagging her this morning.  Besides, the conversation that she'd had with Brian last night was bad enough without continuing to rehash it.


"Fifty K here I come!" she said with forced enthusiasm.


"Yes, you're doing better than good.  Bad news though, this weekend I won't be able to meet you at the park.  My shift at the fire station takes up both days this weekend."


Chapter 26: Living In Truth, Part 1