This is the premise for “This Time You Lose,” a novel written by a local author who has now received national acclaim.

Chris Stralyn, of North Muskegon, is not someone who dreamed of being a writer. She had worked in many industries as a short-order cook, security guard, safety officer, teacher and child care provider, but never a writer.

But her writing career had to begin somewhere and that just so happened to be after a not-so-perfect family vacation. While in Florida, a wheel jumped off their van as Stralyn and her family were driving down the road.

“The accident and chain of events that followed made for a terribly unforgettable vacation,” Stralyn said.

See full story in Beacon print or e-edition