Last December I wrote a two-part blog piece to reflect on the year 2022. In the blink of an eye, the end of the year has come around again, so I figured I’d lay the groundwork for what will hopefully become an annual tradition, and write a piece to reflect on 2023. So, what happened this year?
On the writing front, as I started last year, I’ve continued to publish weekly blog posts. I’ve varied the format slightly from the initial format I started with, and I also changed the primary distribution medium from MailChimp to Substack in keeping with my vision of maintaining this blog as a creative platform. Furthermore, this time last year I mentioned how I had a few books in the works. Well, the first two of these came out this year, within a month of each other. As a side note, if you need ideas for Christmas presents, you can buy Art Is The Way and A Hollade Christmas everywhere books are sold.
I’m still processing how it all feels to now be a two-time published author, but I can say that the overwhelming sentiment is a combination of gratitude and relief. I put a lot of time and effort into those works, and it feels good to see them out in the world, taking on a life of their own. What’s more, there’s a lot more where this all came from. You can expect more publications in 2024 and beyond. Similar to the writing front, music-wise, I released two singles this year – One More Time and Feels Like Rain. I’ve also continued to write and perform songs, some of which will be recorded and released in the coming months. Stay tuned!
I’ve consumed a lot of content this year – books, podcasts, music, documentaries, movies. Perhaps the most significant difference when I compare this year’s information diet to that of last year, is that I’ve read more fiction than non-fiction on the book front, and listened to more political comedy and satire podcasts than I did last year. I’m not sure what this change of taste means, or even whether it means anything. I just know I’ve had more of an increased appetite for humour and make-believe this year, which, on reflection, makes sense given the socio-political climate we find ourselves in.
Perhaps the biggest thing for me, as I reflect on the last 12 months, is that I got married this year. It still feels like yesterday, even though it’s been over eight months now. Looking back on how this year has gone, all that’s left to say is that I’m thankful. Looking forward to next year, I’m excited to see what the future holds. That’s all from me this year. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Bring on 2024.
P.S.: My middle-grade novella, A Hollade Christmas is out everywhere now. My debut non-fiction book, Art Is The Way is also available everywhere now. They’ll make excellent stocking fillers or holiday presents for the children and art lovers in your life, respectively. You can get them in all good bookstores and from all major online vendors.