Writing Update
It’s been a long time since I’ve written a blog post. So long, in fact, that I forgot I ever had a blog. Although I kind of feel that calling it a blog is pretty generous considering that I only ever wrote 8 posts. But given that I’m no longer active on social media and I don’t want to bog down people’s inboxes with newsletters, this seemed like the best way to share an update. So here we go….
Let’s start with the part that people will likely care the most about: writing. As I type this, my next book, #2 in The Poets of Once Upon a Time, is officially drafted! (Minus the last 2 chapters because the end of a book is always hard for me to get on the first try). The next step is for me to read this draft and take notes on each chapter so that when I start revising, I’ll know exactly what I need to change. My plan this time around is to set a timer for each chapter as I revise so that I don’t get lost in the weeds. Ex: 40 minutes per chapter so it’s a race against the clock kind of thing. Then I’ll revise one more time before sending it to the editor. At least I think this is the plan. Don’t quote me.
I also ordered the cover for this book yesterday 🥳 So I should be getting a proof copy of the first iteration in a week or two. I’m fairly picky about covers, so don’t expect to actually see the cover for a while. But hopefully I’ll have a title and basic blurb for you guys soon. As of right now, you can expect this book to release in early summer!
My next books are still on the drawing board (literally), but I’ve begun a mood board and Pinterest board for the next book (which will be #3 in The Haunted Lovers Department). So that makes me feel excited to get to work on it once this book is done!
In less exciting news, I thought I’d share a few simple but fun updates that have little to nothing to do with writing:
Favorite Music at The Moment: Nick Jonas’ new album Sunday Best. I used to love the Jonas Brothers as a teen, but I haven’t listened to a ton of their music until recently. But Nick Jonas’ previous albums (while in possession of some really good hits) just weren’t the vibe for me. They were a little bit on the ‘immature young man who’s super lustful’ side of the spectrum (it wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t me). But this album? This is chef’s kiss. This is Nick’s niche and I really hope he keeps writing things like this because I’m eating it up!
Favorite TV Show at The Moment: I’ve been watching Schitt’s Creek in the wake of Catherine O’Hara’s passing. It’s funny and I’m enjoying it, but I’m not sure that it’s one I’ll rewatch. At least not for a long time. I have been watching a lot of St Dennis and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. I know, super similar shows, right? Lol. St Dennis is an AMAZING comedy show if you haven’t watched it yet. It’s hilarious, pretty clean, lighthearted and my go-to feel good show. Secret Lives, however…it’s trashy reality TV. What can I say? It’s incredibly entertaining and it makes me feel better when I’m down. Don’t ask me why. But season 4 is coming soon and I cannot wait!
Favorite Games at The Moment: Disney Dreamlight Valley. Was there any other answer for me to give? Not really. Tales of the Shire is also on my list, but it’ll have to wait until next month. For now, I’m loving Dreamlight Valley for all of the decorating, mindless grind and easy quests. It’s my decompressing game and I adore it. I’m also going to hop back into Hogwarts: Legacy now that I’ve found a list of all the side quests that don’t include spiders. Why WB thought it was necessary to include giant spiders in every other quest, I have no earthly idea. Fingers crossed that Hogwarts: Legacy 2 will be better!
Lastly, I just wanted to share a small reminder that my 2026 may not be what yours looks like. I’m on a roll. I’m done with my first draft, on track to publish three books and gets stuff done. But that was not how my 2025 went. 2025 included 0 published books, 0 things accomplished and a lot of emotional exhaustion. If you’re in an era of getting stuff done, that’s incredible! But if you’re not, that’s OKAY! Do not compare yourself to someone else. Because if the last year has taught me anything, it’s that there is no such thing as having things figured out. Depression will hit you in life. Grief will find you. Burnout, disinterest, business, stress, drama will impact you. And not just once. Over and over again throughout your life. But inbetween will be these beautiful seasons of rest and peace and excitement and possibility. And even in the icky bits, there will be value.
So, if you’re feeling a little discouraged today, know that it’s okay. You’re not alone. We may all be on different paths, but God made us very much the same 🤍
