I don’t know if there has ever been a year that has, for me, been filled with as strong highs and lows as 2025 has. I could talk about the concerns I have for the state of our world, my country, and anxieties of things beyond my control, but I think I’ll put those aside in favor of projecting positivity for the new year (for my sake and yours).
I should summarize the things I got done this year.
At my day job, I got a promotion as a lead pharmacy technician, a change that I felt was a long time coming and was extremely humbled that my managers and pharmacists put their faith in me to take on a big step in my career. It’s been weird trying to acclimate myself into a supervisory role, but so far it’s not been as challenging.
Speaking of work, I wrote and released my debut novel. It’s still mind-blowing, not only in terms of the release but the response it’s received has been incredible (apologies to those I’ve made cry). Most recently, the book has been featured in a blog post by a furry book reviewer, Shiloh, and I not only encourage you to check out the post but Shiloh’s blog as well.
I’ve also met with some incredibly talented writers and artists. Some of which I am honored to call friends. I love making new friends, and doubly so those who are creative. Talking about the creative process, helping each other out, and watching the journey everyone is making has been so rewarding and I can’t wait to see what each of them plans to do in the new year. This, combined with going back to conventions and introducing my husband to the furry scene have also been part of our social journey.
The final major thing I did this year with my husband was visit Japan. Ever since learning about the Fushimi Inari Shrine as a kid, I’d always endeavored to travel to the country and see the sights. I learned a little Japanese and read up on the customs so as not to burden the natives, and I think we did a pretty good job getting by. The people were incredibly welcoming and I was sad to have left. Perhaps we’ll return with a loose itinerary.
Which brings us to the future.
For the curious, I’m not one to make resolutions. Every year, I’ve always said I’m going to better myself, and while I will keep doing that, this year is unique in that there are some specific things I plan to do.
1.) Finish Writing My Next Book
Yes, I’m in the trenches of my next novel. It’s been a challenging book to write, but I will say here and now this book is going to be released next year. I’m not ready to comment on what it’s about or talk about the challenges related to it, but for those of you eager for my next thing, I’m working hard on it and I’ll announce it when it’s ready.
2.) The Next Book
Of course, while I’m doing this novel and new ideas have constantly sprung forth and I’ve pipelined the next project after this current book. Again, I don’t want to talk too much about it, but this next thing has me approaching a different workflow to my writing.
3.) Writing Shorter Works
Whether this be short stories or personal essays, I think I should try to make some short form works as well. Perhaps blog posts here and there like this one. All this to say that I’d like to do more writing that goes beyond novels (which I’ll still do).
4.) A New Hobby
I always like to learn something new, and this year two things have happened. For my birthday/Christmas, my husband got me an espresso machine, reigniting my coffee obsession. I’ll be fine tuning how to steam milk, make fancy drinks, and go down unnecessary rabbit holes about coffee.
We also got a pair of dwarf jade bonsai trees, and I might want to get a third for outside. I’ve never had much of a green thumb but perhaps I can turn that around next year?
5.) Read!
I have lots of reading I want to do. Some furry books I need to get around to reading, as well as other books I’ve been putting off for some time. I think I’d like to read something challenging too like Gravity’s Rainbow or Moby Dick.
I think that covers my goals for the new year. I want to say thank you to everyone who’s picked up a copy of my book, who has been supportive of me in my journey thus far, my patient husband, and to the new friends I’ve made. Thank you all, and may your new year be filled with joy.
Be brave, be truthful, be kind, and, most importantly, be you.
Thank you.
Bonus:
Below are some photos taken throughout the year featuring me, my husband, and some family, as well a certain fox and lion who some of you might be familiar with.
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