December seems like a marvelous time to sit back for a moment and take a look back at all that has transpired during the previous twelve months — especially in this odd week between the Christmas holiday and New Year’s Day. In some ways, it feels like the entire world has shifted into a slower gear; most people, if they can, have taken extra time off to be with family, so offices are empty and the roads likewise far easier to navigate.
Of course, where I live is a bit of an exception to that second item; despite the influx over the years of family-friendly subdivisions, the preponderance of residents are of the retirement set, meaning we get a net increase in volume from Thanksgiving clear through to April. I like the extra vibrancy that creates in our community; for a few months, at least, the pools are hopping and parking is highly prized commodity at the local Safeway. It’s our version of seasonality: instead of leaves falling to denote the end of summer, the parking lots around here empty and you can swim in any lane you like.
There’s the heat, too, but let’s ignore that, shall we?
Anyway, 2023 was a pretty productive year for me. I published three books (Focus, Bewitched and Requiem) and my first Holliday-themed short story (Snow Drifts); the first drafts for four more books (Vengeance, Mirage, Solitude and Masks) were also completed along with one more holiday short (Baubles). Honestly, that was far more words written than I had planned for the year, but I felt a little bit behind the curve after false-starting on the first draft for my urban fantasy mystery, Reflection in the Shadows, during NaNoWriMo 2022; guilt is a powerful motivator, so I essentially made up for the book I didn’t get done back in 2022 by writing an extra one in 2023. The irony there, of course, is that I’m circling back to complete Reflection this spring, so I suppose, in the end, nothing was truly lost in the effort.
There were some other firsts in 2023. After trying out a Facebook Live book launch for Duality in 2022, I started hunting for something a bit more interactive. While I liked the format, the experience seemed flat to me — what I had really wanted was a Fresh Air-type of book discussion that would feel a little more spontaneous. It took some effort and the willingness of a friend to lend a hand, but in late November I launched a podcast that will feature one of my books or shorts in each episode. Two are out now as of this post, with several more scheduled to be recorded and released in the coming weeks. I really love the format and they seem to be garnering more interest than the one-off launch event format.
And, of course, the highlight of 2023 was my appearance at the Tucson Festival of Books in March. I had an amazing few hours there talking to readers and signing a few books; it’s an event I’ve long attended as a reader, so being on the other side of the table as an author was an exceptional treat I’ll continue to treasure. I’ve submitted another book to be considered for inclusion at the 2024 edition of the festival, but as of this writing haven’t heard if I’ve been selected. I’d love to attend again as an author, but know the competition is pretty fierce. I’ll keep my fingers crossed just in case.
So, what’s ahead for 2024?
As I’ve already noted, I’m planning on finishing Reflection this spring with an eye toward a possible Christmas 2024 release. I also have two more books in the pipeline, one each for Vas and Sean, that I hope to work on during the two NaNoWriMo camps next year, with one more book (either for Sean or Vas) to be written during the traditional November NaNoWriMo. That works out to four full novels if the schedule holds, not including another possible short story that may or may not feature a certain small town doctor and her police chief beau at Valentine’s Day; I had such a good time exploring Suzanne’s backstory that a second story has already burst into being, though I’m not certain I’ll able to complete it in time for the actual holiday this year. Stay tuned.
However I slice and dice it, this has been an incredible third year as an author. If you’ve been with me from the very first book, thank you for your support and readership! Windeport and Rancho Linda and the people who live there are near and dear to my heart, and it makes me happy to know that others feel the same way. I look forward to sharing new adventures — and new characters — with you in the new year.