Farewell 2025

In these last hours of 2025, I find myself reflecting on the year that was 2025.

There were so many things that happened in 2025, but the biggest on my author journey was publishing my debut novel, Speak of the Devil in November. I’m so grateful to my friend Shonda Ramsey for helping me with the process and creating the beautiful cover. It wouldn’t be out there for others to enjoy without her help.

On a similar note, thank you to those that have bought the book so far. I love hearing about what you like and whether you solved the mystery or not. It’s been so much fun for me.

I also joined the Lemmon Fam group for one of my favorite authors, Jessica Lemmon. It’s been a thrill to meet and talk directly to someone that I admire. I hope I can learn a lot from her and I would be thrilled if she picked up my book one day.

My health journey

While the weight loss piece of my health journey slowed down significantly, I still ended the year having lost an additional 15.8 lbs from my weigh in Jan 1, 2025, which puts my total weight loss at 105.8 lbs. I hope to be a little more disciplined in 2026 to allow my weight loss to continue, but in the meantime, I am still celebrating my non-scale victory of walking in my first ever 5k and coming in 2nd place in my age category. It reminds me that I am capable of doing great things with my body, even in its present condition.

Goodbye Jason

Sadly, my little kitty buddy Jason left us this year. It was one of the hardest losses to date, but I’m so grateful for the short time we had together. He was a sweet boy and full of mischief. I miss him so much.

Happy 10th Birthday to Stella

My girl Stella turned 10 this year and all I can say is that time flies! She has been with me since she was about 8--10 weeks old and I love her more every day. She’s been really loving going for walks even though it wears her out. Me too, girl, me too!

I hope we have many more birthdays together.

Welcome Webster!

This furball captured my heart in a Facebook post and he’s been my little love bug since he came home with me at about 12 weeks old. He’s about 7-8 months old now and he’s huge—nearly 12 lbs. He keeps me on my toes, loves to look out the window and carry around his toy taco.

He also nearly smothers me with his face when he’s loving on me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What’s next for this author?

I have a lot of hope that 2026 will continue to pull me in a positive direction.

I have plans to publish book 2 of the Devil’s Hand Series, titled The Devil You Know. This story will be Francine Carrollton’s love story. Her future love interest is Garrett Barnes, a beautiful black British man that has come to work with her at Charmed CRM Solutions after their one-night stand. The worst part is that he is friendly with her work enemy Katrina Morgan. I don’t want to give away too much just yet, but my goal is to put out the book in late August/early September.

I’m hoping to get Speak of the Devil on the shelves of a few more bookstores, at least local to me. It’s such a thrill knowing shoppers can see my beautiful book on a shelf.

I would also like to make time to attend at least one book show this year after I publish book 2. With my current work schedule, it is hard to take off time, but I want to have the chance to meet more potential readers and other authors.

I also want to rededicate myself to my health journey. I have been faltering on that but still making slow progress. I’d like to be able to do another 5k if my schedule allows and see what else my body is capable of.

As silly as this sounds coming from a romance writer, I’ve been blissfully single all of 2025 and I have no regrets. In 2026, I will not be actively looking for a partner, but I’ve told myself I would be more open to the possibility of dating or even falling in love again. Who knows, maybe it will be inspiration for a future love story OR maybe it will be my big love story…or maybe I’ll have another year of blissful singledom. Either way, I think going into the new year with an open heart is the right thing.

In general, I am asking God or the Universe or anyone that might be listening to guide me toward my greatest good. I want to bring joy to others and feel that reverberate in my own life.

I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2026. Let’s make this our year!