An End to 2024

So, here it comes. The obligatory reflective end of year post. I want to take a moment to go through the highlights and pitfalls of this year, to show that yes I am trying to do this whole indie author thing, but it's not all sunshines and rainbows... nor is the rest of my life.

Life's a climb, but the view is great.

Firstly, I want to wish everyone a happy holidays, no matter what form you celebrate it in. It is a time for togetherness and connection and joy, giving gifts and recieving them. Just make sure to take a moment to appreciate all you have already, and all that is yet to come in the new year. It is a time of introspection and letting yourself be still with your shadows and healing, so take some time for self-care where you can too. Can't pour from an empty cup and all that.

Happy Holidays, all!

Next, I want to take a moment to celebrate my wins. I have made a lot of progress this year. I have managed to finish up drafting my debut series, so the main series is actually on paper now. Not only that, but I have managed to sign a contract with an editor for the first book in the series, and it is currently undergoing its first round of edits! I have planned out several others as well as come close to finishing the first draft in the second book of another project - I cannot share details on that one yet but you'll know all there is to know when I can! I have managed to create my website and build more of a following on social media to kickstart my author journey for the future, and managed to join a wonderful bookish community on all my socials too. I just love the support we give each other over there, it really brings me joy. I got engaged in February and then married in October to my wonderful husband. I've also managed to make a decent dent in changing my name on my paperwork and anyone who has done so will know what a feat that is! I have connected with some people I am really close with now and have done some personal art projects for them, something that will be continuing and growing next year. I have also read some fantastic books this year, but I will get to that part in just a second.

Of course, my life hadn't been all ups, there have been some downs too. I have had moments where I have really struggled with my mental health, an ongoing struggle I know. I'd like to say I dealt with it really well, but with hindsight I can see that I probably hurt some people when I was at my worst. I have had some issues with money due to payroll changes at work and have managed to get through those as well, though I may not be exactly accurate if I described those transitions as graceful. They were gritty and hard and the kinds of months you have to grit your teeth and smile or you're going to cry. But I'm still here. I know next year may not be all ups either, in fact I'll probably fall down a few times. But I know I have some fantasic people I can rely on to catch me and give me a hand on dusting myself off to come back for another round. In the immortal words of Elton John - "I'm still standing!" and I will be at the end of next year too, taller and prouder and happier than ever.

Note: it doesn't matter how many books you've read or what format you read them in. You are still a reader.

Now... onto the books because I know that's what the little book dragons are really here for. So far I have managed to read 47 books this year - not including my current read because I haven't finished that yet, and not including the one book I DNF'ed because I didn't finish that either (obviously). I managed to dip my toes into the dark worlds spun by HD Carlton and Emily McIntyre and thoroughly enjoyed them both. I also dipped into the smutty, fluffy cowboy romances of Elsie Silver and the mysterious thrillers of Holly Jackson. I have realised first and foremost I am really a mood reader - much more than I thought I was - with the sheer range of things I will happily read. If you want to see the books I've read by name, you'll find reviews and notes on my socials. (Side Note: thinking of typing up reviews on here too if that's something y'all would be interested in seeing?)

I think my top three reads for the year - in no particular order because I really can't place them in order of priority - are: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros; House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas; and Quicksilver by Callie Hart.

Special mentions for Indie Authors: CJ Riggs and her books No For An Answer and Idee Fixe; KE Beale and her books in The Blood and Venom Saga; And Melody Joanne for her book Creation's Captive. I ate these up. The plot. The character arcs. The spice. The surprises and twists. The cliffhangers... oof. I will always hype these authors, and many more too!

Take a cosy moment and practice some self-care. You deserve it!

Finally, I just want to say - if you made it this far through the post, thanks for catching up with me! And I want to give you a few little nuggets to leave with. First - it doesn't matter how many books you've read or what format you read them in, you are still a reader. Period. Also, supporting authors by buying their works - whether indie or trad pub - is never going to be something I discourage, even if you haven't gotten around to reading it yet. Same with artists and creatives of any kind. Let's all support each other where we can because we are all just trying our best out here. Also, fangirling about a particular book on socials will always make that author smile - guarantee it. Next - you are important. You deserve peace and space to breathe, you deserve to have your dreams come true but you also deserve a chance to rest. Remember it's necessary so you can double down on your hustle when you're ready. Burning yourself out helps nobody, babe. Lastly - Remember your worth but also remember it costs nothing to be kind. And, really, the world needs more kindness.

Wishing everybody a Blessed Yule, Merry Christmas, (add all other holiday celebrations here) and a joyous new year to come. I wish your coffee to always be delicious, your book to always have you hooked, and you life to be full of joy and success. 2025 is the year we help each other rise up to new heights. <3