Deirdre Collins has a driving passion: to be a published writer. When she is unable to publish her first novel, depression lands her on suicide watch in a psych hospital. There she meets Max Fletcher, a handsome young man with drive and genius who is battling demons of his own.

After discharge, they move to different parts of the country and lose track of each other. Max becomes a successful entertainment producer in New York City. Deirdre teaches behaviorally challenged children in a rural Illinois town. She begins to reimagine her struggles through the students she teaches. Her inspiration grows when she connects with Spencer Graham, a troubled new student at her school. Spencer's mother is the famous writer, Eleanor Graham. Eleanor agrees to work with Deirdre, if Deirdre watches out for her son. As irascible and difficult as Eleanor is, Deirdre finds herself coming into her own, finally, as a writer. But just as writing success seems imminent, a visit from Max upends everything Deirdre has built.