A Little Perspective
And here we somehow are in the first month of 2026. I hope you were able to escape into something enjoyable over the past few weeks, whether that was the holidays (if you celebrate them), time with family and friends or blissful solitude, or simply taking a breath in the midst of a very turbulent and chaotic time. Saying “Happy New Year” seems disingenuous and misguided with all that is going on, but I sincerely hope the coming months bring you something good!
I used to make resolutions or pick a word of the year to live by and scribble it in my journal to keep myself accountable, but I haven’t been doing that lately. Much like plotting a book from beginning to end, I’ve found that making goals for an entire year is always an exercise in feeling like I’ve let myself down when I don’t accomplish them. Unexpected things come up, both good and bad. I often have to put down projects to pick up other ones. My mindset changes throughout the seasons. And I want to learn to be more adaptable in all aspects of life. So no more resolutions for me.
I just want to be happy. I want to spend quality time with the ones I love, write books I can’t stop thinking about, travel and explore a new place or two, and focus on being healthy — a top priority after that medical scare at the end of 2025! These aren’t so much goals as they are hopes for the way of life I intend to lead in perpetuity.
“Stepping away” from publishing isn’t exactly the right term for the foreseeable future, since I will always be writing! And I have so many things I want to work on this year. I have been fortunate enough to fully support myself with this career for the past decade with no assistance from anyone else, and that is a blessing I hope I’ll be able to enjoy with the continued investment of time and hard work and a pinch of luck.
I think “decentering” publishing is a better term for what I want to achieve going forward. Writing used to be my whole entire identity. I fought for this dream so hard and for so long that when it fell into my hands at last, I made it my life for fear that it would slip through my fingers. My happiness depended on whether a publisher would give me a book deal. My self-confidence quavered whenever I got tagged in a scathing review or checked the bestseller lists that never printed my name. My peace of mind hinged on how dramatic Twitter fights — of which I, a mild, forgiving, and nice-to-a-fault person, somehow ended up embroiled in more times than I like to remember — would turn out.
But with age comes perspective. And my new perspective is that I am more than just my books and my work and my sales numbers. I guarantee that on my deathbed, I will not be saying, “I wish I had worked harder.” On my deathbed, I want to look back at my life and be proud of what I accomplished, yes, the dozens (fingers crossed) of novels I put into the world, the people I inspired, the TV adaptation that exposed my name to more readers. But I also want to be proud of everything else: of being a beloved wife to my partner, a safe space to his kid, a trusted and devoted friend, a seasoned traveler, a person who never took anything for granted, and just an all-around good human.
Like I said, I’m always going to write! I will be here making books and sending out newsletters, but with a mindset to prioritize everything outside of my career just as highly. So that’s why there is no “word of the year,” no shining goalposts, no resolutions carved into the pages of my diary. It doesn’t mean I’m disappearing from social media or putting away my notebooks for good. It just means that my solar system is shifting slightly, and what was once the sun is now simply one of the planets orbiting me.
Things I’m Looking Forward To
Going to see all of the Lord of the Rings movies — extended versions, of course — in theaters once again for the 25th anniversary!
The writers’ retreat I’m attending this summer, with a week off to explore.
Immersing myself in a lot more theater, both on Broadway and off.
Hopefully visiting my first national park at some point.
Learning a new skill. Last year, I took swimming and voice lessons, so maybe this year it will be cooking!
Keeping up with my diary and also bullet journaling again! So relaxing to break out the markers, letter stamps, and washi tape once more.
What I’ve Been Reading and Watching
THE EVERLASTING by Alix E. Harrow: I saw so much praise for this romantic fantasy about a scholar and a lady knight who find and lose each other again and again in multiple timelines, so I listened to the audiobook. I really enjoyed it! The writing was both funny and beautiful.
I, MEDUSA by Ayana Gray: I’m a big fan of Greek mythology and I’m very excited to read this Medusa villain origin story.
WUTHERING HEIGHTS by Emily Bronte: I’ve read this half a dozen times over the years and could never connect with it, but I’m trying again and buddy reading it with a friend ahead of the film adaptation coming out around Valentine’s Day!
A HOUSE WITH GOOD BONES by T. Kingfisher: October is long gone, but I’m still on a horror kick. This dark and twisted Southern Gothic will be my next audiobook on Libby.
Wake Up, Dead Man (Knives Out): I watched this with family over the holidays and thought it was an entertaining murder mystery! It still doesn’t live up to the original Knives Out for me, but it was a lot of fun.
Wicked: For Good: I saw this before Christmas with my best friend and there was a lot of laughter and crying. “Thank Goodness” has always been one of my favorite songs from this musical and it somehow describes my exact feeling toward getting published. ‘Cause getting your dreams, it’s strange but it seems a little, well, complicated.
Downton Abbey: I am now approaching the end of the TV series and trying to put my finger on what is so magical and addicting about this show despite the overwrought melodrama and too-drawn-out subplots. Maybe it’s the acting?
Stranger Things: I am several seasons behind and I’ve heard great things about the latest installment, so I’m planning to catch up soon!
Upcoming Events
I’ve already got teaching gigs lining up for this coming year and I’m excited to continue adding to my CV! I’m especially looking forward to instructing kids and teens in the spring and summer. I don’t have any new book releases this year, so these stints in schools as well as serving as moderator for a dear friend (see below) will be welcome breaks from writing!
For those in Cambridge, MA or the surrounding areas, please join us for a Valentine’s Day celebration of Hannah Reynolds’ latest release, A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DATING A DEMON, in the beautiful Lovestruck Books store.
The event is Monday, February 2 at 6:30PM. Here is the link if you would like to RSVP. We’re going to have a lot of fun chatting about her charming, cozy, critically acclaimed YA romantasy!
I hope you all stay warm and safe this January. More newsletters to come for both free and paid subscribers, so please keep an eye on your inboxes!
Until next time,
Julie
Oh, I love this post so much, and identify with it so hard. Cheering for your happiness! <3