Looking Forward to 2026

I do realize it’s not New Year’s yet, and I’m certainly not rushing 2025 out the door … but I had some time to brainstorm and assess this last week. It certainly helps to take focused time to set goals.

I created a business plan for the next 5 years — a writing plan. Wow! It’s super energizing to do that. Now, I fully realize the wisdom of that old saying, “Man plans and God laughs.” Not to say that God laughs at our plans, but I recognize that things don’t always go the way that we think they will, and “his ways are higher than mine.” That said, here are my writing plans for 2026.

Book 1 in a new cozy mystery series. Tentative title is Booked for Murder–set in a small Texas town, not so far from Hunt Texas (for you Agatha fans), this clean cozy will feature a “mature” female sleuth, a small town detective, a splash of Amish, and a nice side dish of romance.

Women’s fiction. I am determined to put The Reimagined Life of Jade Morrow in your hands next year, hopefully by summer. This clean women’s fiction addresses the question of, “If you could change a decision in your past, would you?” As Jade Morrow answers that question, she’ll learn to once again embrace friendship and community.

Book 2 in my new cozy mystery series should release in the fall. Tentative tile is Grounds for Murder--and it picks up where book 1 left off, only this time there’s trouble in the coffee shop.

It’s nice to have a plan. There’s definitely a time for waiting (see last month’s blog), but there’s also a time for stepping forward with prudence and a good dose of faith. Please know that I appreciate each of you and your faithfulness as I pursue my writing journey.

So, what are you looking forward to next year? I’d love to hear form you in the comments below. I may not respond to every comment, but I read every one–and you all are incredibly encouraging.

Always yours,

Comments 26

  3. All three books sound great, especially Booked for Murder. I’ll be almost anxiously waiting for that one.
    2025 was particularly challenging so I tend to hope for it to rush out however every new year brings its own challenges and uncertainty. So I just pray and trust God will do what’s best and answer my prayer of paying off our house this year with his help and provision. I’m most definitely looking forward to that 🙂

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  5. If Booked for Murder is “near Hunt, Texas, is it possible that Agatha might be your “touch of Amish?”
    I enjoy reading your books but I’ve not tried your dystopian books…..yet!
    Thank you gor sharing your gift with us!

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  11. I am looking forward to 2026 because my daughter-in-law is pregnant and we will be meeting our first grandchild in April. Then, our daughter is getting married in October. So many blessings and things to look forward to.

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  14. Looking forward to a healthier year hopefully with less doctor appointments and procedures.
    Looking forward to a bit of traveling to see new sights and more critters to photograph.
    Looking forward to time with friends that live far off – either us traveling there or them to us.
    Looking forward to many more delightful books to read.
    But most of all, I’m looking forward to another wonderful year to spend with hubby!

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  18. Vannetta, your books sound good reads, and your cat is cute and beautiful!
    I’m looking forward to manage my time better so I can read a bit faster, hence, I read more! I’m also looking forward to stay healthy!

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  24. I love reading your books, and can’t wait to read your new ones! I love the humor in your books, as well. I haven’t read any of your dystopian books as yet, as I am not a big fan of those types of books. But, maybe one day….
    Thanks for all the good times I’ve spend in your books. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

    Reply

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