Well folks, the year felt paradoxically long and short but also long. I’ll take it.
READING
I’m delighted to announce that I’ve beaten my 2025 reading goal of *checks notes* three books. In 2026 I shall lower the bar even further and set it at the dizzying heights of: two. My top five genres were Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Memoir & Classics. I’m not sure what that says about me. (That I’m utterly ordinary probably.) (I accept that too.)
I’ve only had two five star reads this year:
But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the rest! In fact, the ratings skew higher than low. (My lowest was Delilah by Elanor De Jong. Surprise, surprise. I think – followed by Twilight. Yes … I read Twilight. MORE ABOUT THAT LATER.)
WRITING
Work on the sci-fi novella series continues (watch this space for 2026!) but most notably two short stories and two articles were written for The Wanderer’s Post. So. That’s something.
My new Freewrite gave the ol’ writing output a short boost, but I’m in the thick of it with the novellas right now. Novella five needs to be started ASAP. I’ve got a writing retreat at the end of the winter out and then – on with the editing!
On the whole, I think I’ll have to really commit in 2026, you know? There are deadlines.
LIFE HAPPENED
Last autumn, I had a little bout of fisticuffs with salmonella (I lost and hospitalised) and I haven’t been feeling 100% since then. I know. Over a year later. I’m **offended**.
This year, I travelled a little, spreading joy and light throughout the world no doubt, & then midway through the year, there were three different life changes and it was all terribly, terribly busy, and sometimes a little hard too.
I hope 2026 brings peace & my motto continues to be borrowed from Cinderella: have courage and be kind. The world can feel like it is collapsing sometimes but I refuse to accept it. Pfft. Remember that bad news travels the fastest and gets the most clicks; the good stuff gets buried, even though it is happening too. Step away from the relentless news cycle to give yourself a break if you can.
I hope 2026 brings you peace and happiness too – and only the best adventures!
of words & books 