Soaring Like a Butterfly – May 2025 Wrap

May was such a fabulous month for me as a songwriter and author. I have a lot of highlights to share, so here they are.

My Five Lucky Butterflies

One of my favorite moments of the year so far was setting my five butterflies free. In April, I got caterpillars and raised them into their beautiful winged forms.

I put together a special video from letting the butterflies go. I hope you love watching it.

Becoming a Finalist in Six Categories for the 2025 ISSA Awards

I’m delighted to share that I’m officially a finalist in six categories for the 2025 ISSA Awards!

I can’t thank my Butterflies enough for voting for me in April. I wrote all about becoming a finalist and what my categories mean to me in this blog post. Fingers crossed I’ll win another ISSA Awards crystal this summer.

Celebrating One Year of “Passive Aggressive” With My Josie Music Award

I can’t believe that “Passive Aggressive” is a year old. To celebrate, I shared my acceptance speech from winning Songwriter Achievement at the 10th Annual Josie Music Awards.

I’m forever grateful for my plaque, and I wrote all about winning my first Josie Music Award in this blog post. Huge thank you to the JMAs for this recognition.

My Photo Shoot for Happy Ever After Doesn’t Last Forever

This month, I had my photo shoot for my fairy-tale inspired EP, Happy Ever After Doesn’t Last Forever. I’m so excited to share my new music, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the pictures soon. My princess era has officially started.

Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore Swept the Outstanding Creator Awards

I still can’t believe that Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore won big at the Outstanding Creator Awards 2025 Spring Contest, or that my story, “Dabria’s Shadows,” received honorable mentions. After the anthology got a review from Kirkus, I didn’t think my experience being featured in this book could get any cooler. Having my work in an award-winning anthology is definitely a cherry on top.

I wrote about the Outstanding Creator Awards in this blog post. I’ll always feel honored to be featured in Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore with my all-time favorite short story, “Dabria’s Shadows.”

The Anthology Queen Is Back

In May, I finally wrote a new short story. It’s a young adult gothic horror heist story for a horror anthology. I can’t wait to share this one with friends for feedback, then submit it to the anthology in June.

Plotting My New YA Gothic Thriller

I’m super excited to share that I’m officially plotting my next book, a young adult gothic thriller. I love to outline and research for a long time, so it will be a while before I start drafting. Still, I’m already obsessed with this project and can’t wait to keep plotting until I’m ready to bring the story to life on the page.

Attending the Online Pittsburgh Writing Workshop

Since I decided to seek new literary representation last month, I have been trying to find the perfect champion for my work. I participated in the online Pittsburgh Writing Workshop in May, where I got to pitch agents and attend amazing classes. I won’t stop fighting for my dream. My agent is out there. I only need to find them.

My 28th Birthday

On May 30, I celebrated another trip around the sun. Here’s to being twenty-eight!

I’m so thankful for the memories May gave me. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me in June.