Nellie Frierson is a young girl growing up in Mississippi in the late forties. Her teacher and her mama have awakened a dream in her heart. She is going to be a writer.
Nellie writes in a notebook chronicling daily events in her life. While she thinks her life is boring, you won't!
Nellie's papa has a drinking problem. Nellie struggles with this fact as well as that he does not support her dream of becoming a writer.
A tragic event almost destroys Nellie's dream of becoming a writer. A promise she made stirs the embers once again and she writes a special story for a school contest. The result surprises her.