Hi everyone, how are you?
It’s been a while since I did a blog post. Sorry about that. It’s just been a busy year – however I do plan on doing much more in 2025.
In the meantime, here is my year end thoughts and look ahead to 2025!
Thoughts on 2024
It’s been a tough year.
But also, a great year.
That maybe sounds contradictory… I shall try to explain.
Why tough?
Well, I guess with ‘era one’ drawing to a close, it was quite emotional saying goodbye to so many characters who I’ve loved writing about over the last four years. Between my three novels and three novellas, that’s over half a million words on the page. It wasn’t always easy getting them down.
I’ve had to sit with this at the end of the year a little. It’s always nice looking ahead, but sometimes it’s also good to think about what has already happened.
Maybe I’m finding this reflection a little easier than normal, because I have to confess, this year-end, I feel a little tired. In 2024, the last three months especially, I worked HARD. I’m usually feeling very energised about new projects by now – but I haven’t quite got there yet.
In terms of 2024 projects, I wrote one novella, one novel, half a secret novel and a short story. I also completed eight editing phases across multiple works. In fact, between all my projects (including the secret ones), I wrote 180k words this year alone. I also had four works published. Dreams of Fire, Dreams of Sorrow, The Land of the Living and the Dead, and The Last Psyker(Warhammer).
I think when I look at that, I kinda get why I’m tired…. but I’m also extremely proud of what I’ve achieved.
Anyway – tiredness aside – 2024 has been one of the best years of my life. I mean AMAZING. To say it’s been a rollercoaster wouldn’t even be right, because it’s been a year of highs.
I am so grateful that everything has turned out so well. The Land of the Living and the Dead really seems to have taken off, with more people than ever starting the series. That has truly been the most incredible part of 2024. I’ve really noticed that a lot more people are reading and reviewing my books, through a variety of mediums – from Goodreads lists, to reviews on Amazon, to people making videos on social media. Thanks so much to everyone that has supported me and spread the word about the Gael Song.
I don’t take that for granted – because as hard as it is to write a book – it is even harder getting it out there into the public consciousness. There are so many excellent authors. So many wonderful books. It’s not easy finding readers and connecting with them. This is where I feel incredibly lucky.
As a final thought on 2024 – it’s still not too late for that word of mouth to continue – and as the new year begins, award season commences. These are works that are probably eligible (do check out terms and conditions though) if you vote for any SFF book awards.
What to expect in 2025
So, what’s up ahead?
Well, I’ve just handed in the first Gael Song novel of ‘era 2’. I’m really excited about this second era. We have some returning characters as well as many new ones – and of course an exciting period of Irish history to explore. We also have a title… (drumroll please)…
Daughter of the Otherworld
That means as well as editing this novel (which is currently pencilled for release in November 2025), I will be writing the second novel in the second era. I know it’s very early and that there is no cover art, but if you want to pre-order you can do so at some stores already.
These always help show a publisher that a book series has a fanbase, so if you want to pre-order at any time, that would be greatly appreciated!
Barnes & Noble
U.K. Amazon
My third novella should be released in 2025 too. This one is called Dreams of Chaos and it’s my absolute favourite of the three. Once I have a release date, I’ll let you know.
I will also be finishing my secret romantasy project. I’m very close to finishing that now – so I think I’m going to hit the new year running with that one. My romantasy is so fun to write – much lighter than the Gael Song – and I think it will restore my energy before I commence the second book of era 2.
And that’s all I’m planning on doing in 2025. I think last year (possibly) I did too much.
I don’t regret it. I think these days being a new author is hard and working hard has been my way of trying to break through… and I kind of think it worked… but this year I want to finesse what I have without adding any additional pressure.
There are also lots of things working in the background which I’m not allowed to talk about yet. I’m dying to tell all, but my lips are sealed for now. As soon as I can announce anything, you’ll be the first to know!
Social Media
I am planning to do some events next year.
I’m booked in for Easter Con in Belfast.
I’m thinking about World Con in Seattle…
And while I didn’t do any interviews in December, other people did talk about my books for me. Seeing as TikTok may or may not still be with us in 2025, I’ve posted YouTube channel links below only.
If you like listening to other people talk about books, these are three content creators I love. Michael Kist, The Brothers Gwynne and Kristen and Maddie.
Reading
Reading has been my bugbear all year.
I usually read around 30 books a year. This year it was around 10. I think it was all the editing that I had to do that made the thought of reading in my spare time undoable.
I do, however, have big plans for 2025. There are quite a few series I really want to finish. I’ll be doing a 2025 TBR blog soon to tell you all what they are.
To any authors who have sent me your books, rest assured your books will be included. I’m very excited to read them all and I can only apologise that this year just became too much for me in terms of my ability to read outside of work.
What I will say – that before the reading wheels fell off the cart – I did read both of these books – both set for release in 2025 and highly recommend them.
That’s all for now!
Thanks for reading!
Oh and if you want to sign up to my newsletter, here is the link ⬇️
The form you have selected does not exist.