As I close the chapter on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, I find myself pausing to reflect on all the blessings that have illuminated my authoring path this past year. From the stories I’ve been able to tell in my books to the conversations I’ve shared on podcasts heard around the world, to the comradery within this community, I have so much to be grateful for—and so much to look forward to. I’m especially excited to share some of my plans for 2026. I have two books currently ready for publication, and a third beginning to come into focus. I’m excited to present on webinars this year—one already lined up—and I will be returning to Author Nation and Reader Nation this November. Beyond these projects, I’m also refreshing my website, experimenting with video shorts, being a guest on several more podcasts, and exploring other new and exciting ideas. For a small taste of what’s coming, I’m sharing one of several “pairings” from my soon-to-be-published book, Grace and Love – Marriage Outtakes, Family Bloopers, and 50 Years of Heartwarming Moments. This project is very close to my heart, as I’ll be celebrating my 50th wedding anniversary in April. The book is built on small, everyday moments that still make me smile. Here’s one excerpt to give you a taste of Grace and Love together: Grace is living together long enough to accept that the thermostat war will never be won — only paused. It’s the lifelong battle of cooler versus warmer, fought season after season, decade after decade. Love is laughing about who touched it last, being empty nesters and knowing the answer before the question is even finished. It’s settling into a small nightly truce where the temperature is just right for sleep — fully aware the war will quietly resume with the morning light. Just imagine fifty moments like this. I want to thank you for your time, your generosity, and for welcoming me into your community. I’m grateful for the conversations we’ve shared, and I look forward to seeing what 2026 brings.

Hey everyone I just want to introduce myself, oh and wish you all a Happy Holiday 🥰 love n light for 2026 💫 My vision is to publish my first children’s book that I started a few weeks ago from a little thought and image 🤩

Hi everyone, I’m Anish Koirala, a filmmaker and writer from Nepal. I’m writing my memoir, exploring my journey through cinema, passion, and self-discovery — from Bollywood to independent films in Nepal and a small American indie project. As a non-celebrity, I sometimes wonder if people will be interested in a story about life behind the scenes, and if they will relate to the experiences of someone chasing a dream without fame. I joined this group to learn from fellow writers and share experiences. I’d love to hear how others approach writing personal journeys and stay motivated while remaining authentic.

Hey, y'all, join me in my nomination of @Julie Broad for the IBPA Jack D. Rittenhouse Award. 👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJ99NS7 The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) is now accepting nominations for The Rittenhouse Award, an annual honor historically given by PubWest in memory of Jack D. Rittenhouse, the West’s legendary bookman. Nominations will be open from December 1st through January 31st. The award committee will review the candidates in February and select a proposed winner to be shared with and approved by IBPA’s Board of Directors. I submitted my nomination the other day, and today is YOUR chance to submit yours. The is only open to fellow IBPA members, so if you're not already a member of the IBPA... you may want to consider joining. Share how you feel Julie has "made a significant and lifelong contribution to a pioneering and independent spirit of books and book publishing." I can think of a dozen ways, but that's what I put in my nomination. Yours should be in your own words, not mine. If you have any questions about the form, the IBPA, or the nomination, comment here or DM me. It's a short form, will only take you a minute or two to complete, and will help honor Julie's lifetime commitment to us fellow authors. 👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJ99NS7

Since finishing my manuscript in August/September, about three months have passed—and now the book is finally scheduled to release on Amazon this weekend. I’m actively learning what it takes to get a book into the world. I had a small ARC group of about a dozen readers, and I’m hoping a few of them will leave early reviews. - If you’re at a similar stage in your publishing journey, feel free to reach out. I’d love to learn from each other and share what’s working. - If you’re interested in reading the book, I’m happy to send it your way—and I’d be grateful if you’re open to leaving a review as well. - Here is the back cover description of my book: Have you ever felt like you were running from a past you could never escape? For years, Xiaorong Deng carried the weight of a life defined by loss: her mother’s suicide, her stepmother’s rejection, and the guilt of not being by her father’s side in his final days. To survive, she buried her story, convinced she was not good enough, and unworthy of belonging. But when she became a mother, she knew she had to face the past—or risk passing her wounds onto her daughter. I AM GOOD is a vulnerable and hopeful memoir about the brave journey to reclaim the girl within and find the way home. It is a story that will help you feel seen in your own struggles, find the courage to confront your past, quiet your inner critic, and finally heal your core relationships to create a legacy of love. If you have ever struggled to find your worth, this book will remind you of a powerful truth: you are, and always have been, good.