Welcome, 2026.
New year, goals, and expectations.
Books Around the Corner (SO FAR)
I have some things in the works, but right now, the only book I have on the horizon is an anthology collection that I edited and have a novella featured in!
My novella is The Bear Princess. Here’s what it’s about:
After her cousin is poisoned, Sasha will travel to the Queendom of the Bears to steal the cure to avoid a war on her people.
I had the idea for this story in January 2023, and I can’t wait to share it three years after the spark of the idea! I still have the note in my phone where I wrote down the idea! It’s nothing like what I had imagined, but I love how the story turned out.
(Here’s the original note)
It’s so neat to see that note and then to see the story that came out of it.
Here’s the first page!
I’ll be going live January 23rd with my fellow editor of the anthology, Crystal Grant. The time has not been determined yet, but it will be after 3:30.
In other bookish news…
I have something in the works, but I am not ready to talk about it yet. However, I am super excited about it, and I am itching to share all the things!
In terms of the next book in the Stornshire Sleuth series…I have almost finished the first draft! I made a lofty goal of writing 25k from Saturday, Jan. 3rd, to Saturday, Jan. 10th. Lofty? FOR SURE! Happening? IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT.
So far, I have written almost 15k words! FIFTEEN THOUSAND!
How have I done it?
Well, sprints. My lovely friend Autumn Krause (sign up for her upcoming newsletter here) uses immersive writing sprints, and I decided to try the idea. It is life-changing. I highly recommend it!
Here is one of the videos I have used:
I even break up the sprints because going back to work after the holidays has not been fun, but I have still managed some words!
Watch my Instagram for my overview of this experience. :)
Goals & Expectations for the New Year
Though I hit the ground running with the words this past weekend, I am striving to give myself more grace this year. Grace to let myself breathe as a creative. I took socials off my phone, and that has made a huge difference. I still compare myself to others, but I find it happening less.
I’m also on my phone less, which is a much-needed plus.
I love writing, and I never want to lose my love of telling a story or reading one!
So proud of you and excited for your next projects!