Image by igoriss from Getty Images for Canva Pro
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
I’m on a couple-day break as I gear up for (hopefully!) the final edit of Fallen Spirits before it goes off for a copy edit and proof, so I wanted to take a minute and wish you a wonderful holiday season.
As 2023 begins to wind down, I’ve started looking back over the past twelve months. It’s been a good year for me – lots of growth, healing, and reflection. I’m still in New Mexico and re-signed my lease, so I’ll be here through at least 2024.
I had such an enjoyable time going back to visit New York City as well as another trip to the Catskills area that I hope to get back next year and find a way to have a foothold somewhere above NYC that’s commutable to the city. I’m letting the universe guide me, so I’m in no rush.
My author pink cloud finally burst, meaning I understand the reality of becoming an author now. And I’ve committed to it for the long haul. But almost all (if not all) authors secretly hope – or believe – their first book will make it to number one, sell millions of copies, and they’ll be able to retire off the royalties while eternal glory is reigned down upon them.
I might not have gone that far, but I had my dreams. And I’m still going for them – I just realize it’s going to take multiple books and more time for me to be able to sustain myself from my writing.
I’m beyond grateful I’ve had the opportunity to be on sabbatical writing for the past couple of years, but things might change a bit next year.
Diane taking a walk in Santa Fe snow
I’ll still write and publish, but I went to my first food gathering in literally years a couple months ago. One day I might write about what happened and why I disappeared from the food scene, but, for now, I’m happy to say I met some amazing people and felt really good being back in the “let’s change the world through healthy food” space.
So, to all you food folks here, you might start seeing me shortly. I’ve put some ideas together and am in the process of speaking with a couple people about possibilities, so let’s see what the New Year brings.
As a side note, the villain in book 2 constantly drinks processed protein shakes and has bodily distress (to put it mildly). I’ll be getting some food education in with book 3 when the antagonist finds out what’s causing his issues. Ha! Putting those 25 years to use….
The Year Ahead
I don’t do new year’s resolutions per se, but I do set some goals. Things I’m thinking about committing to for next year include:
- More hiking and road tripping. I’ve spent so much time writing this year that I want to get out and explore more of New Mexico and Colorado.
- Camping. Okay, this might or might not happen. Everyone out here seems to camp. I might not get further than the back of my car, but I want to get out in the mountains and spend at least a night. I want to see the Milky Way in all its glory, without being terrified a wild beast will eat me….
- Social life. I moved to Santa Fe in lockdown and then locked myself down to write, so 2024 is the year I start to come out. I want to explore the social side of Santa Fe and meet more people.
I’m so grateful and thankful to all of you. To those of you who are following my writing – I cannot tell you how much it means that you’ve enjoyed what I’ve written. To the friends who’ve stood by me as I heal and figure out next steps in life – I couldn’t have done it without you. And to those of you who believed in me in the food space – thank you.
Life is a crazy, wild, rollercoaster of experiences, and I look forward to much laughter and joy in the coming year.
Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.
Feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you’re planning in 2024!
Happy Christmas!! Photo by Elles Rijskijk for Canva Pro
Over On Substack
In my first attempt to start separating my private newsletter and Substack, I’ve just posted a new article on there – Three Tips for New Writers: Ebooks, A Series, and Just Write. Check it out for some lessons I’ve learned over the past year in indie publishing.
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Holiday walk in the Nambe Badlands