Looking Back on 2025
This year, I struggled with turning my messy first draft into a tighter, more effective second draft. At the beginning of 2025, I lacked inspiration; I worried that I may not ever see my manuscript through, and at times I thought I might have to give up.
Looking back, I am glad I did not give up, and that I let myself endure those struggles, both in my manuscript, and in life. With time and space, allowing myself to be stagnant and still, I was able to find the spark of inspiration once more. After a summer and fall of hard work, I now have completed the second draft of my fantasy novel; and I could not be happier.
This November, I felt true accomplishment in knowing I had beaten the monster of writers and editors block I had so long struggled with; and to my surprise, my book has now become a series.
I had gone from a place of no inspiration, to a place where inspiration was abundant, and I could hardly keep up. How was I meant to deal with all of this new creative energy?
New Creative Projects
I put away my second draft for a bit, and let my mind run wild. Turns out, I have many, many ideas for stories; which I had previously worried I may never have. The voice in my head spoke, and asked me, What if this one fantasy story is the only one you’ve got?
Thank goodness I was wrong.
As I write this, I am staring at a computer with many tabs open. I have the second draft of my manuscript, in another document, I have the beginnings of its sequel. I have worked diligently on crafting a larger story arc for up to four books in the catalog of stories that take place in Atlatia, and follow my main character Julian Blackwell.
Along with this, I have a new work in progress in an entirely different genre; another thing I was not so sure I could do. But after working so hard on my first manuscript, and my continuing dedication to editing it into the best book it can be, I am sure I can make more stories to be proud of.
My new work in progress, a small town mystery set in the 60’s, with hints of dark academia and horror, has been a true pleasure to work on. Between my original manuscript, its follow up sequel, and this new story, I plan to have my hands full in 2026.
Literary New Years Resolutions
We all make resolutions this time of year, goals we hope to succeed at when we welcome in a new year; and I have big goals for myself this time around.
In 2026, I hope to complete a few more rounds of edits on my fantasy manuscript, and invite beta readers to read my story. I look forward to sharing it with new people and hearing what recommendations they may have.
Next, I hope to work towards progress on the sequel’s first draft, as well as make some progress on my mystery manuscript. To summarize, I want to write as much as I possibly can, because in 2025 I learned that writing stories is what makes me happy.
My biggest goal of all, is to get my first manuscript to the point where I am able to query literary agents, and hopefully, someday, be able to share my story with the world.
I hope reading my updates might inspire you to set some goals, whether it be to write more, read more, draw more, or even just spend more time with the things that make you happy.
Happy writing and reading,
and may your year be full of whimsy,
-Evi
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