My Bold 2025

On New Year’s Day, I chose bold as my word of 2025. This year was bold, all right. Maybe a little too bold.

Back in January, I had no clue 2025 would take me on such a roller coaster ride. Despite the obstacles, curveballs, and hard choices, I was flexible, stayed as hopeful as possible, and ended this year on a high note.

So, with that, here’s my 2025wrap.

My 2025 in Publishing

First, I’m going to share my 2025 in publishing.

After deciding to seek new literary representation, I signed with my dream agent, Ciara Smith at Spencerhill Associates, in November. This made my whole year, actually.

All was well in the anthology world. I celebrated fourteen publications this year. Twelve anthologies feature my solo stories, and three include co-authored stories under Sadie Lielle. One of the books has both a solo and co-authored story, which is super cool. These publications were definitely top highlights of the year.

My all-time favorite short story, “Dabria’s Shadows,” was mentioned in a Kirkus Review for Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore. Still pinching myself over this.

Speaking of “Dabria’s Shadows,” my story won honorable mentions in the Outstanding Creator Awards 2025 Spring Contest, where Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore received several awards.

Along with my publications, I received acceptances for stories that will be published next year and reached my goal to have twenty total acceptances by the end of 2025.

The first anthology I edited, Prom Perfect, was published in April. I loved working on this book.

I became the anthologist and an editor for the butterfly book of my heart, Kaleidoscopic Quill, and I can’t wait for this anthology to get published next year.

I received my first lit mag publication with Micromance Magazine. This is special because I adore Micromance.

I plotted my next book, a young adult gothic thriller, that I will draft next year. I can’t wait to write this one.

Along with amazing author adventures, I had lots of incredible experiences in other areas of publishing.

I participated in my first RevPit annual contest as an editor. Being a RevPit editor is still a dream come true.

I completed a literary agent internship at the Purcell Agency. This was such a wonderful experience, and I’m grateful for all I learned.

I got to work with so many talented authors through Amethyst Ink. Being a freelance editor is a dream job, and I’m honored to be part of other authors’ journeys.

I had incredible conversations with fantastic guests on Literary Blend. Hosting this show brings me so much joy, and I can’t wait to share many more chapters next year.

Lastly, I made lots of guest appearances, from podcasts to industry events. I’m grateful for every opportunity I had to give back to the writing community and share my own journey in publishing.

Looking back, my 2025 in the publishing industry was a great one. I’m thankful for everybody who stood by my side this year.

My 2025 in Music

Next, I’m excited to unveil my 2025 in music.

I released two new Christmas songs, “Don’t Let It Snow” and “Sugar and Spice,” and they received more love than I could have ever imagined.

The lyrics for “Meet Me At Christmas Time” were published in The Greatest Holiday Romance Stories Ever Written by KissMet Quarterly, an anthology that also features one of my stories. I’ll never get over how cool this is. Having my lyrics in a book is surreal.

I had fun studio sessions and finished recording my fairy-tale inspired EP, Happy Ever After Doesn’t Last Forever, that I’m looking forward to releasing next year.

The inspiration really flowed in 2025. I wrote lots of new songs for my next pop project, along with another original Christmas song. I’m super excited to record these in 2026. They’re definitely new favorites.

I received my awards from the Josie Music Awards for “Passive Aggressive” and the Holiday Music and Film Awards for “Winter Cold” that I won last year, got an award from the Rampage Music Awards for “Kind Heart,” and celebrated lots of nominations across various shows.

During the summer, I played at the farmers market. I don’t perform often, but when I do, I have a blast.

I produced and co-hosted holiday specials for Heart of Indie Radio.

After years on a classical music hiatus, I started making piano part of my life again and performed in my first recital since before the pandemic. Playing my favorite classical pieces definitely brought light to my 2025.

Lastly, Write on Track passed two-hundred episodes. This is a huge milestone, and I’m looking forward to more fabulous conversations on the show next year.

Even though I didn’t release much music in 2025, I loved getting to write and record new songs. I already know 2026 is going to be full of music magic.

Three More Memories

I wanted to end my 2025 wrap by sharing three of my favorite memories from this year.

First, I met Kelsea Ballerini, my favorite country artist. This was so special because I have looked up to Kelsea as a songwriter for years and even recorded my own rendition of “Homecoming Queen.” I’ll never forget this magical day.

Second, I raised butterflies. This obviously made me the happiest.

Third, I attended the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy. Since I absolutely love Poe’s work, this was one of the coolest events ever.

So, that’s a wrap on my 2025. If you would like to take a deeper dive into my year, check out my monthly wraps for highlights from each month and my moments to celebrate for specific posts about my top accomplishments.

This wasn’t the year I got a book deal, nor was it the year I released my EP like I originally planned, but I’m not going to focus on what didn’t happen.

I’m going to celebrate what did happen.

And my 2025 was pretty freakin’ awesome!