As this posts, 2022 is only a few hours away...and I think I'm still processing 2020, let alone 2021. When 2021 began, I never thought as another new year started that we would still be in the middle of a pandemic, and I'm sure I'm sure I'm not the only one. Time has been funny this last almost two years. I've been thinking back about this whole year, and time seems to have gone both very fast and very slow. The beginning of last year seems like so long ago—I keep getting surprised that certain things actually happened in early 2021.
I almost didn't do a yearly recap because I felt like I didn't have a lot to list as accomplishments. With regard to writing, I'm still working on the book I was writing this time last year, which is the book I began in early 2020. I don't remember the last time it took me so long to write a book, certainly before I was published! I'm still working on it, though, I promise—for anyone who is still interested after so long! There's romance and happily ever after, of course, and magic and dragon shifters. I'd planned for it to be out a year ago (and I have a gorgeous cover by Natasha Snow waiting), but I'm hoping you'll have it soon and I'll move on to the next Tournai book. I hesitate to make too many writing plans for next year in case 2022 decides to mess them all up, but I have tentative plans and hopes for what I'll be working on next.
This year, like last year, has been tough for all of us. I think what I've had to work on most was being kinder to myself. About what I did and didn't accomplish. How productive I was or wasn't. About my mood in general. I think we all need to make sure to be kinder to ourselves. What else happened this year? I did some decorating in the home I moved into in late 2020—lots of wallpaper and making the living room the perfect cozy space I wanted. I did a lot of baking (this is not new) and cooking (this is not new either). I planted herbs out on the patio for the first time, and ended up with some flourishing sage and basil plants. I went on a lot of walks. I took up embroidery as a new hobby. I got my covid vaccines and booster. And I got to spend my 40th birthday with my best friend/soul sister, who made it so special.
Reading has still been tough for me—so, so frustrating for someone who has always escaped into stories for comfort. A lot of what I read this year was rereads, books that have been comfort reads for me for a long time, and a lot of those rereads were done in audio while walking or cooking or wallpapering. My TBR has grown so much because there are a ton of new books I want to read, and my brain just hasn't wanted to settle into all of them (I'll get to them...). But I read a few new books I especially enjoyed this year, many new installments or final books in series I love.
Subtle Blood by KJ Charles: The final book in the Will Darling Adventures and just so good. But I'm ridiculously sad this is over.
The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by KJ Charles: A delightful standalone historical romance.
The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian: The first book in a new series. Very much looking forward to the next.
Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell: I listened to the audiobook of this sci-fi romance and loved it and the characters.
Peregrine by Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly: I've been waiting for Perry and Sebastian's story for much of the Forbidden Desires series!
A Veiled & Hallowed Eve by Hailey Turner: An excellent conclusion to a series that got better with each book.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet: A recommendation from a friend and so thought-provoking.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang: An absolutely charming graphic novel with a lovely story and beautiful art.
Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper: This fall, I was all about reading witch books and this f/f romance was my favorite of them.
I hope 2022 treats you kindly and brings you wonderful things and good books to read and much happiness. Love to you all. Happy New Year!
   |    |    |
RSS Feed