Happy New Year, dear readers!
Every year has its challenges, losses, and wins, and 2025 was no exception. I took a huge step back from writing and marketing, not by choice but I need to focus on my physical and mental health. Quite frankly, the autoimmune neurological issues I’m dealing with are kicking my ass. I’m slowly but steadily finding my way, equipping myself with the right-for-me team of doctors, treatment regimen, and mental health tools.
2025 wasn’t entirely hardship, though! I had a few highlights.
I rewrote most of Sleeve of Hearts. The manuscript had been through a few rounds of editing and revisions and still wasn’t quite working, so I read back through the previous two drafts, kept what I loved, and cut the rest, rewriting everything in between. This book hands down has been the hardest to write between my health issues, life stuff, and a smidge of imposter syndrome. I’m really proud of myself for sticking with it, even when I wanted to—and swore to Mike that I was going to—quit. Some days I can’t even string a sentence together, the brain fog is so bad, but the beauty of writing is that thing really isn’t going anywhere (even when you kinda sorta wish it’d delete itself*).
I started doing Whatnot shows, even though I didn’t think there was anybody there shopping for books. Wrong! There’s a lovely community of readers, authors, and bookish creators there. Madd thanks to my sister-in-law for encouraging me (and then surprising me with a shipping label printer for Christmas, I’m cooking now).
I’m doing a show tomorrow (Friday, January 2nd) at 9 pm EST (6 pm PST). If you’re new to Whatnot, it’s like TikTok live with shopping, without all the distractions. They’re a lot like my old Facebook reader group livestreams, you can just hang out with me, no pressure to buy. Follow me and save the show to join!
I also found myself involved in my first ever copyright violation. In case you missed it, a bunch of AI companies used authors’ and other artists’ work without permission, and the artists sued in several class action lawsuits. Unfortunately, the River Reapers MC books were used, so like it or not, I’m in the class. Several of my other books were also used, but like many others, I can’t do anything about it because one of the stipulations is that authors must have a registered U.S. copyright before the lawsuit. Another downside is that this ruling seems to give AI companies permission to use authors’ work, as long as they purchased a copy of the books in their database. Reader, I’m not feeling that. I’ve been thinking long and hard—said the romance author—about what I want to do, and I’ve finally come to a decision. More on that soon!
I’ve decided to take 2026 as it comes. That doesn’t mean I don’t have hopes for this year, because I certainly do!
First thing’s first, it’s time to get back to writing. I’ve got about 10K left to write for Sleeve of Hearts, and I will finish it soon, perfectionism and suspected dysautonomia be damned. It’s also time to get my ass into gear and release the first two books in the series in paperback.
Depending on how things go, there are a few other books I’m hoping to write this year. Two are for the River Reapers MC series, another is a Stagwood Falls novella (series finale), and the other isn’t a romance.
There’s lots to look forward to in 2026. Thank you for all your support in 2025. I hope this next chapter is the best one yet for you and your loved ones.
*I obsessively backup, so it could never, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fantasize!
I’m so glad to hear from you Liz!!
Have the most excellent 2026
Veeeee
Happy New Year, Vee! Thanks for sticking with me. How were your holidays?