So, how’s this year been?

#1 – Submissions and Stories

This year I sent off ten more anthology submissions than last year, but participated in less competitions. I also wrote less new stories than last year, but still managed to add eighteen more short stories to my bank of tales.

#2 – Acceptances

I recieved four acceptances this year! I had a dark fable and a poem accepted and published in this year’s Aberystwyth MA anthology, plus two paid acceptances–one with Dim Shores and one with Sliced Up Press. Both will be published in 2026.

#3 – Published!

As well as being published in the MA Anthology, my tiny tale ‘Little Trinkets’ was published in The Deadlands Issue 39! It was quite different style for me so having it published felt really special.

#4 – Editing

I helped edit Issue 5 of Divinations Magazine and had a great time doing it! I adore helping out with this publication, even if I feel a bit evil having to reject people. I think it’s helpful to see life as both an editor and as a writer.

#5 – Novella

I did not work on the novella I began last year, but I did attempt to try and work on a new one–alas the idea never fully developed and the place I was going to send it has unfortunately had to stop novella publications.

#6 – Comic Script

Straight up forgot that I was going to try and work on comic scripts. That resolution was definitely a fail. I have mulled over the idea of turning my MA comic script into a novella instead but I do think it would be some much cooler in a visual medium.

#7 – Poetry

I actually had a poem published–it was a bizarre situation, maybe one day I’ll post about it. But I also wrote a whole poetry pamphlet and sent it off to a publisher. Looking forward to hearing back from them!

#8 – Experimenting

I feel like between the poems I wrote this year, and some of the odd stories I’ve written this year, I’ve definitely managed to experiment with my writing. I’m really proud of some of the pieces I’ve written this year, with one of my most graphic pieces that I’ve ever written being accepted by Dim Shores.

#9 – Feedback

Even some rejections came with some pretty sweet feedback! I’m particularly proud of the comments I recieved on my submission to the Ghosties competition. One comment said my action sequences are good, which is always something I’ve always been a little insecure about! I think I’m pretty decent at scenery descriptions, but depicting something like a fight does intimidate me a little.

Bring on 2026!

I feel pretty happy about how this year has gone and I’m excited to have a rest at the end of this year and come back refreshed for 2026!