2025 Year in Review

If I had to describe my 2025 publishing year in one word, I probably couldn't. But I think this picture captures the general essence...

I've been dreading writing this blog post. Not only because it will force me to think about what comes next, but mostly because I had a lot of goals for 2025, and I met virtually none of them.

2025 was a rough year, both personally and professionally, and it is safe to say I ended the year absolutely exhausted. I bit off more than I could chew last year, which was a first for me if I'm being honest. I'm used to having a lot of projects going. It kind of comes with the indie territory. If I want to spend time writing, spend time with my family, and excel in my professional career, I have to commit to a pretty packed schedule. It hasn't been a problem before. But maybe years of running and running finally caught up to me.

Writing came to a sheer halt sometime in the spring as my day job (pesky thing that pays all my bills) got really hectic. There were some highlights! Namely, I married the love of my life, moved house (again), and had my very first special edition published with Satisfiction!

But there were also some lows. I had to cancel the release of The Essence of Witch Hazel after coming to terms with the fact that I was not satisfied with my work. And while I stand by that decision, that really affected my ability to see my other projects through. I felt that if I wasn't working on that, I shouldn't be working on anything. This killed any spark I had for the year, and it took me a while to come to a decision on that work.

The Essence of Witch Hazel is not dead. She will see the light of day this year, come hell or high water. And, as Eli Pope once said, "I am the hell and the high water."

But for now, I think I need to set her down. There are so many other projects waiting for my attention, it's starting to feel neglectful 😅.

So here's the plan...and I'm keeping it simple this year: do what I can. You might be thinking, "Gee, Moreau, the bar is in hell." Yes, yes it is. That's where I need it to be right now 😂. You can't fail to meet your expectations if they're so low you'll trip over them.

At a minimum, I'm aiming to have The Fall of Souls #2 and Celestial Bodies #2 released this year. Whatever else manifests, great! We're going where the wind takes us (kinda). But really, I only have two check boxes this year, and if I cross those off, I will end the year a happy camper.

I'm hoping I'll have the time to pull off a few surprises as well, but we'll see.

If you feel like sticking around to read what's coming, thank you! And if you feel like sticking around because you're nosy and want to see if I get my shit together, welcome! Happy to have you!

As always,

Have fun.

Be safe.

Feel good.

R. A. Moreau