I don’t know about you, friends, but 2023. was an unexpected ride in the toughest of ways. I’m good, let’s get that out of the way. I’ve come through several bouts of Covid, a long fight with a shoulder injury, but I’m enjoying December in Los Angeles with health, happiness, and a renewed sense of hope for 2024.
This past year, my best friend of 20 years was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Two major surgeries and a year of infusions and the cancer is responding. AMAZING NEWS!! But I ended up spending a lot more time traveling home to Chicago and helping with things than I expected.
My day job pays the bills and fills up my publishing expenses, so I worked hard, was as supportive and present as I could be (even if it never felt like enough), and work on my new book series and Vella series had to slow down.
My shoulder injury is minor and will heal on its own. I had a biopsy (benign) and a follow-up (also benign, phew!) I’ve had Covid twice this year and I’ve managed both bouts without major complications or the struggles with long Covid that others have had. And we had two unexpected deaths in the family. If you had a year like I did, you’re probably ready to wave a “See ya later and don’t let the door hit ya” goodbye to 2023.
But there was also plenty of great news despite the challenges!! The first is this newsletter. I’ve moved to a Substack so I can share more fun content without clogging your email inbox. Yes, you’ll be notified when I send out some of the new posts, but when you receive a notification, take a look around! I have book news, new character art, and a lot on my calendar for 2024, and I can’t wait to share it all with you. 2024 will be a fresh start, and I’m already hard at work at lining up more books, more art, and a BIG fantasy romance secrets that I can’t share yet!!
Whatever holidays you celebrate, I wish you peace, health, and ALLLLL the great reads as 2023 winds down! Hugs and happiness, friends!