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I think I started a blog post in the days before Christmas… but then, well, that didn’t happen.
Actually, a lot of what I had planned for December didn’t happen.
You may have noticed that I stopped doing the Write Here, Write Now Community Advent Calendar and the KML Services Advent Calendar about a week after they started.
Honestly, my brain just sort of noped out, as it often does in December.
Between the approaching holidays (and Youngest’s birthday), plus needing to recover from Novel-November and the Kindred Creativity Club’s Charity Auction, I needed a break. I’ve even stopped revisions on Kiss Me After The Kill for now.
Christmas itself was good — but it took me about three days to recover.
Recently, I learned about something called post-exertional malaise, where even minimal physical, mental, emotional, or sensory effort can trigger a delayed and disproportionate worsening of symptoms. It often feels flu-like, can last days or weeks, and isn’t significantly relieved by rest.
I experience something very similar, especially around Christmas time, and finally having a name for it was oddly validating.
Honestly, between preparations, celebrations, visiting family, and everything else December entails — combined with neurodivergence and PMDD — it’s no wonder my body and mind completely crashed for a few days.
Family, Christmas & Perspective
But let’s rewind a bit.
On December 19, I met my mum for coffee. We wandered around the shops, she picked out a dress for Christmas, and I grabbed some bits for my sister and her partner.
While we were there, Mum mentioned some concerns about my step-dad’s health. He’s in his mid-eighties and showing signs of dementia, which was obviously very worrying. That led to a call with my sister later that day, and then further conversations on Boxing Day.
Right now, the plan is simply to support him — and my mum — as best we can, and encourage him to get the appropriate tests. He’s a stubborn old idiot (affectionately), so that may take some nudging.
It’s all very heartbreaking. He’s been in our lives for over twenty years, and in many ways has done more for me and my sister than our biological dad. Of course, there’s also my mum to consider — she’s nearly seventy and has her own health concerns.
A few years ago, I saw a post saying that one thing no one prepares you for when you hit your forties is your parents ageing, and having to take on a more active role in supporting them. At the time, my mum and step-dad were independent and in good health — but now, just a few years later, it’s hitting me like a train.
All I can really do is be there for them both to the best of my ability, and trust that God will take care of the rest.
Despite everything, Boxing Day was still lovely. Mum put scratch cards in everyone’s Christmas crackers — I won £3! — and it was especially nice spending time with my sister and her new partner. After everything she’s been through, it’s wonderful to see her happy.
Christmas Day itself was just me, Hubby, and the kids, and it was perfect. We skipped a traditional roast and went for a buffet-style dinner instead (with far too much food). Then we played Cards Against Humanity, and somehow I won — which probably says something about me. 😄
Birthdays, Visits & Small Joys
Just before Christmas, Youngest turned 16. I genuinely don’t know how that happened — both my children are practically grown now. He’s a very chill kid, so we kept it low-key with games and KFC for dinner.
Oldest’s partner was visiting too, which made it extra special. She’d already been down the week before Christmas, when we exchanged gifts. We’d bought her the new Pokémon game back in October, but we also added a Pokémon card for her collection and a framed photo of her dog, who recently passed.
She wrote the loveliest message in our Christmas card, thanking us for welcoming her into the family. Honestly, she’s the sweetest, and it makes my heart so full seeing her and Oldest so happy together.
While she was visiting, we also went to Wagamama one evening — which was excellent, as always — and now I’m craving ramen again. 😅
Health Updates
I’ve also had a few health-related updates this month.
I heard back from the NHS regarding my complaint about the gynaecologist. The response was… underwhelming, and some important issues were dismissed. However, my GP has been fantastic and is arranging for me to have my coil changed elsewhere, so hopefully I won’t need to deal with that hospital again for a good few years.
HRT is going reasonably well. I’ve noticed some small improvements, but I’m still experiencing premenstrual symptoms, so I’ll be discussing a dosage adjustment with my GP. I’ve also switched patch brands, as the previous ones irritated my skin — these seem much better so far.
I’ve also heard back from Psychiatry UK about starting ADHD medication. There have been some hiccups with blood pressure readings, so the next step is having them checked by my GP. If they are genuinely high, we’ll take it from there — and if not, then it’s likely just machine weirdness or anxiety. Either way, I’m not overly worried yet, as there are non-stimulant options available too.
So overall, December has very much been about rest, people, health admin, and recharging — and honestly, it’s exactly what I needed.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Looking back at 2025, I wrote a total of 181,477 words — proof that even in a year of rest, recalibration, and changing direction, a lot still got done.
I’m heading into 2026 feeling excited to get back to writing, and ready to grow Kindred into something even better than it was in 2025.
Recently, in the WH, WN group, we were setting goals for 2026. I came up with around 32(!) goals — some personal and health-related, which I won’t go into here — but many centred on connection, creativity, and follow-through.
My writing and career goals fall into two main areas:
- Writing / Publishing
- Kindred Creativity Club
Writing & Publishing
Writing-wise, my main goal is to finish Kiss Me After The Kill. I have around two to three chapters (and a few spicy scenes) left to write. After that, I’ll continue revising it with Hubby — we’re currently around Chapter 17 of 40 — before sending it to my editor and possibly beta readers, and then beginning the querying process.
I also have two short stories planned:
- A YA romantasy inspired by “Roses Are Red” for the Snowy Wings Anthology, about a young woman marked for death who falls in love with the Grim Reaper.
- A more introspective piece for the Kindred “Letters to My Past Self” Anthology, planned for October to coincide with World Mental Health Day.
Beyond that, I have a couple of other projects in the planning stages — including a short inspired by a post I saw recently about a vampire landlord accepting blood donations in lieu of rent payments… and yes, fireworks went off instantly. Expect more vampire smut from me in 2026. Sorry, not sorry. 😛
And, as my eternal muse (aka Atsushi Sakurai) continues to demand attention, I’m also planning a fae romantasy featuring a dark, brooding faerie prince. Like KMATK, this will follow a more intentional process: write, revise, edit, and then query.
For larger projects going forward, my focus will be on traditional publishing, while shorter pieces will be reserved for anthologies, reader magnets, and exclusive content.
Kindred Creativity Club
My second big focus for 2026 is Kindred.
I genuinely can’t believe what I achieved with it in 2025, especially considering I only started it in June. I hosted three creative spotlights — for Pride, the WH, WN community, and Creative Indies — and ran a charity auction that raised £280 for The Trussell Trust. That alone still blows my mind.
One firm plan for 2026 is a Charity Anthology centred around letters to our younger selves, raising funds for mental health support.
Mental health advocacy is incredibly important to me. While my own experiences are rooted in undiagnosed neurodivergence, everyone struggles in different ways — whether that’s with identity, finances, relationships, grief, addiction, or countless other challenges.
I know I can’t help everyone, but organisations like Samaritans, Mind, SANE, and Hub of Hope are desperately underfunded and more needed than ever. If I can help raise funds for one of these causes in 2026, I’ll consider that a success. I’m exploring the idea of combining a late-year charity anthology and auction to maximise impact.
I also plan to bring back the Indie Creatives Pride Spotlight.
Ultimately, I want to make Kindred more.
Part of that plan involves reconnecting with my previous ADHD coach, Suzy, who has recently launched a business focused on supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Coaching had a huge impact on me before, and I truly believe it helped me get to where I am now.
Gratitude & Closing Thoughts
As I’ve already waffled on for nearly 2,000 words, I’ll start wrapping things up.
Before I go, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported me, my writing, and Kindred this year.
The WH, WN and KML Services Advent Calendars were created to spotlight indie authors and services that made a real difference to me in 2025, and I highly recommend checking them out.
I also want to give special thanks to Karen Sanders, Clare Bentley, and M.B. Feeney, who, alongside me, make up the admin team for Karen Sanders’ Write Here, Write Now Community. These women constantly inspire me with their generosity, organisation, and dedication to uplifting others.
And of course, thank you to the wider Write Here, Write Now community — sprinting with you during Novel-November was a joy, and I can’t wait to see what everyone creates next.
Thank you as well to Kelly McMullen Lowe, whose author services launched this year and have already made such a difference — not only to my work, but to Hubby’s writing journey too.
And finally, my family. My incredible husband, my kids, my mum, step-dad, and sister — all of whom support me in ways I’ll never fully be able to express.
And, of course, God. A few years ago, my mum told me God wanted to heal me. This year, I’ve really felt that — not through miracles, but through peace, understanding, and the right support at the right time.
Okay. That really is enough waffling now.
I’m off to play some Sims and eat an irresponsible amount of cheese.
Whatever you’re doing for New Year, stay safe, take care of yourselves, and may 2026 bring you everything you need.
T.T.F.N
