A lot has happened the last 365 days. So many ups. Lots of downs, but I think I survived it to the best of my ability.

One thing I’m really proud of is the community and friendships I’ve found among other writers. There are so many of you that I talk to nearly every day and even if we don’t chat every day, I’m happy to see you on my timeline. I’m looking forward to the coming year and rooting you all on as we try to reach our New Year’s Goals.

Now! Onto the wrap-up.

Writing and Reading Things:

I read ten books. I lagged a little in the last half of the year because of my health, but I’m still happy I read ten books. Well, technically eleven because I beta read a fantastic urban fantasy in the last couple days of the year. I read and reviewed three indie books and seven trad books.

I wrote three books this year. I finished and published In the Eye of the Beholder. I dabbled in horror over the summer and published a collection of short horror stories, The Horrors of Small Town Nebraska. And I just finished the first draft of Give it All the sequel to Have it All. I also started a new draft for Cinderella WIP! More information on that coming soon.

I also wrote a spooky sapphic short story for Halloween this year! If you’ve read it I’d love to know what you think. If you haven’t, check it out!! Find it here

Personal Things:

Well as I said, my health hasn’t been that great. My insomnia has been kicking my ass and so has my chronic kidney disease. I switched to a *mostly* vegan diet. I sometimes dabble in seafood or chicken, but for the most part, I eat a plant-based diet. It has helped some. I don’t have as much pain in my back anymore and I’ve lost about thirty pounds. My tests are coming back with better numbers, but I won’t have another update until February.

I lost one of my kitties this last November. She had a tumor in her nasal cavity that was inoperable and was threatening to cause more harm. We chose to say goodbye a few days before Thanksgiving. I miss my Izzie every day, but I’m happy knowing she is no longer suffering.

It might seem fast, but I decided to adopt a kitten on December 28th and I picked him up on December 30th. He is a sweet little void we have decided to name Keith! He’s three months old, born in September, and so far his favorite place to be is my lap.

Finally, if you’ve been following me or Lou Stardust on social media then you’ve seen we’re working on special book boxes! Sometime in the next couple weeks we will be opening an Etsy shop where we will sell book boxes featuring one of our books (or multiple books) and an abundance of homemade and bookish goodies. Right now we’re focusing on selling our own books, but there’s always a possibility for expansion!

It’s been a long year. It’s been a decent, but rough year. I’m excited for what 2025 has in store for me.