Erinn Keala '11

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Erinn Keala '11 recently published her debut novel, "I Promise to Be Better," a contemporary romance fiction based on true events in her life.

"I graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in sociology in 2011," Keala said. "That same year, I eloped and moved to Germany with my former husband. Our marriage was ridden with manipulation, infidelity and abuse, and ultimately fell apart by 2014. When I eventually went to therapy to process my trauma, I struggled to recount details due to memory gaps, a common symptom of PTSD. My therapist encouraged me to write down what I could remember, then fill in the rest. And thus, "I Promise to Be Better was born." This novel is not intended to be a hero’s tale nor a stellar example of how to navigate an abusive relationship – it is a raw exploration of love's darkest corners, and I chose to share it for its vulnerability and complexity. My hope is that others who have lived through similar experiences will find validity and healing in these pages."

A synopsis of the book states:

Teenage Emily, plagued by abandonment issues stemming from her parents’ failed marriage, finds desperately-needed comfort in Shane. Despite him being six years older, the pair form a hidden bond and fall madly in love.

The story takes a dark turn as it delves into the intricate layers of a toxic relationship. Entering adulthood, Emily moves to a new country with Shane, who has enlisted in the Army. Jealousy, infidelity, manipulation and abuse propel this narrative into a heart-wrenching exploration of love's darkest corners.

Based on true events, this gripping tale is a poignant reflection of love’s destructive power and the empowering pursuit of self-discovery. Brace yourself for an intense journey through the complexities of love, and the resilience required when promises are put to the ultimate test.

A nutrition and fitness coach who lives in Hawaii, Keala was interviewed by the UCLA College for their Bruin Bookshelf series, where she discussed the genesis of the project and the influence her UCLA education had on it.

"I found writing to be incredibly cathartic," Keala said. "Years of spilling raw and vulnerable emotions into words are what formed the backbone of 'I Promise to Be Better.' This book is written from the depths of my worst memories in an effort to bring healing to myself and others.

"Retelling my story as fiction allowed me the creative freedom to blend secondary characters, combine events, omit events entirely, alter the timeline for the best narrative and fill in dialogue I can’t accurately recall so many years later.

"UCLA instilled upon me high standards for myself and what I produce. Mediocre writing is not accepted there, and my professors and TAs were never afraid to call me out for what wasn’t my best work. Since my time at UCLA, I’ve applied those standards to every job I’ve held, including my side hobby writing and publishing this novel. I feel proud to be a Bruin, and although my time at UCLA was tumultuous — read the book to understand why! — I still consider it some of the best years of my life thus far."