2025 was the year I discovered I really like to explore castles, and read about history and local lore. I loved these types of activities when I was younger, but over the years I didn’t make time for it. Luckily, this year brought it all back.
It was also the year I published my first novel, and edited and shaped my second poetry collection that will be out in the spring. I was able to stick to a writing routine that worked for me, and arranged my office so it really was a room of my own that I enjoyed working in. I call it my “everything room.” It has my stationary bike, my guest bed, my desk, and a wall of books.
I took a floatplane for the first time to Salt Spring Island in April. When I took it again in November, I felt like a pro! There was something special about stepping down from a small floatplane onto a dock and being right in the harbour of quaint Ganges.
But let’s start from the beginning…
Writing
Once I became a mother all those years ago, I felt a large shift within me. I was responsible for someone so small, so young. Minutes old, days old, months old. It was then I felt that life wasn’t this long journey, but something that was finite. It was with the thought of finiteness that I started to take my own routines and ambitions as a writer seriously. This could have also been that as a new mother, my focus areas changed and I didn’t have as much time to work on my writing. That made a sustainable writing routine all the more important.
This is to say that I am happy to report that I kept my writing routine going in 2025, well pretty much. I engaged in both the substantive and copy edit of my next book, Beautiful Unknown Future and worked away on the draft of my next novel. The substantive and copyedit of Beautiful Unknown Future was a great experience. I worked with poets Stephen Collis and ryan fitzpatrick. They both read my manuscript with care and gave me valuable feedback.
The publishing of my first novel took happened in April 2025, and it was quite surreal. I did some readings and book signings, and took part in a panel at the Fraser Valley Writers’ Festival (hosted by the University of the Fraser Valley). It was so much fun!
Travel
Travel began in 2024 and continued into 2025, with a dream trip to Scotland, England, and Ireland in the spring. We took trains, planes, and Ubers. It was so much fun. I soaked up the history and enjoyed trying new food and explored so many amazing shops and bookstores.
Closer to home, the travel experiences continued with a family trip to Victoria where we had a great time enjoying the ferry, the views, and quaintness of downtown Victoria.
I also ended up on Salt Spring Island not one but twice. It’s a beautiful little spot.
Next year
With a new year just around the corner, I’m looking forward to bringing much of what worked well from 2025 forward. This means keep a writing schedule and being gentle with myself if I can’t keep it up sometimes. There are seasons for generating and there are seasons for rest and reflection, this I’ve learned all too well over the years.
I’ll be happy to launch my new book in the spring, and hopefully finish up my novel project. Perhaps there will be a few special travel experiences as well. Oh, and I’m sure I’ll read a bunch of great books.