Hello, 2026!
Hello, and happy new year, dear reader!
I thought I’d do a blog post for the new year, just like the one I did in January 2025 — especially because I find it a little hilarious how things actually panned out. Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans, right? But to be honest, I’m glad for everything, because the way it worked out was pretty beautiful.
Reflecting on 2025
In last January’s post, I shared my vision for 2025. At the time, I was feeling a little wobbly after releasing three books in relatively quick succession and having nothing else near completion. I shared the book projects I planned to work on during that year, among other plans.
Well, wouldn’t you know it? Only a few days after that post, a new story idea swooped in and completely took over both my mind— and my year.
This story ended up leading me to go back to graduate school to finish my MFA, something I had not planned. But now, I’m finishing up this semester, and I have completed the first draft of this story: a middle-grade novel called “Heirloom Rose.”
I was unfortunately unable to go to my writer’s residency with Write On, Door County in Wisconsin. I was so bummed, but I still hope it’s something I can make happen in the future.
One thing that did in fact happen as planned: I reached my reading goal for the year! I read (at least) 25 middle-grade novels in 2025. Also, another wish I shared last year worked out even better than I’d expected: not only was Wicked: For Good brilliant, but my oldest daughter and I got to see Wicked on stage here in Indianapolis. :)
Looking into 2026
I am committed to devoting much of my time and energy to revising “Heirloom Rose,” and hope to release that book later this year. I’ll be drafting other book projects, too— and as I’ve learned my lesson: I will now always allow space for a new idea to come in anytime.
I will be returning for the next semester of graduate school this summer. And I will also be hosting writing workshops for kids and teens at various locations across Indianapolis, including my neighborhood library branch and a couple local parks. I also hope to be at a handful of local author fairs again this year, too. I hope to see you if you’re in the area!
I’ll be adding a calendar to the website for my events soon, but for more news and events, plus subscriber bonuses, be sure to sign up to my monthly newsletter below. You can always connect with me over at Instagram, too.
Thank you for stopping by the blog. I am wishing you a beautiful 2026!
Katie
