Let’s keep this quick. I’m sure you’re all busy with end of year plans. I’m trying to finish the last chapter of my last 2025 read (I’ve already reached my reading goal for the year, but one more book won’t hurt). And I’ve got Mark’s favourite dip starting to cook for tonight’s potluck with friends. As I write this post, I keep having to get up from my desk to keep Finn from stealing the food off the stove; it’s only a matter of time before I lose this battle.
January: According to my camera roll, all I did was sleep, snuggle the cats, and eat. But I did also host a Book Purge takeover of Studio Staja to raise money for the Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue. Oh yeah, and I turned 34 – but that’s not a milestone year so let’s save that excitement for 2026.
February: Using the pictures on my phone to figure out what I did – especially during my slow season – isn’t entirely effective because it’s really just cat pictures. Sure, I worked events, did some fun things with family, and volunteered for the rescue, but my life does revolve around the cats.
March: After over four and a half years of work, I finally published The Tunnel. And sure, the shitty weather threw a wrench in the launch party plans, but I was do happy to get that book out in the world. Although Skull Daddy was everyone’s favourite book in 2024, The Tunnel has been the 2025 favourite.
April: In person events started picking up for the year and I even got to attend my first event in Renfrew! Unfortunately, this was also the month when my mystery pain started (don’t worry – the rest of this post will not be a play-by-play of doctor’s appointments).
May: Another busy month of events – including the annual OSCatR plant sale. Not only do I just enjoy volunteering at that one, but that event marked the one year anniversary of me shaving my head for the cats! On the personal side of things, my family attended the celebration of life for one of my grandmothers.
June: On one of my long walks though the neighbourhood I found a mysterious hole and that brought my horror-loving heart way too much joy. Another thing that made me happy was utilizing Mark’s family connections to see the live action How to Train Your Dragon with the director! And I attended my first ever Ottawa Small Press Book Fair (it’s one of my new favs).
July: Another TFCon! And a silly goof on my part resulted in someone making me a keychain as a gift (which not only made my day, but my year). I may not sell a ton of books at that convention (it’s not a book convention, after all) but over the years I’ve amassed a dedicated group of readers who look for me in the vendor’s room every year and that makes me so happy. Also, the hotel has a dog on staff now!
August: A month of heat waves and fun outdoor markets. I even attended my first capital pride! Although I’m disappointed with how the organizers handled, well, everything that weekend this was a bucket list item for me. Most importantly, I got to see Jaws 50 in Imax. The autism was strong that day. Wow, I got so caught up thinking about Jaws that I almost forgot I published Modern Hauntings this month. This is the power sharks have over me.
September: First time having MY OWN TABLE at Ottawa Comiccon – you bet I’ll be doing that again in 2026. And I got to attend dReadCon first the first time (although I won’t be able to attend in 2026 due to a scheduling conflict). On the personal side, I made the decision to cut contact with my father once and for all after he blew his second chance at a relationship with me (best thing I did for myself all year).
October: The busy month. So many events. So many books. And the Modern Hauntings Halloween Party at Bytowne Cinema! Most importantly, it was my first official year working on The Can*Con planning committee (last year was unofficial). I ran around like crazy but loved every minute of it. I also realized that my whimsical outfit plans mean that I will have to wear sequins to Can*Con for the rest of my life (not a bad problem to have).
November: The start of another slow season. I worked a couple of super fun events – including a pride Xmas market – but most importantly, I started to slow down and make time for Mark. He’s kind of done a lot for me, and I did marry him, so it’s important I spend time with him every now and again.
December: It’s a miracle! I took time off! Not because I wanted to, but because I caught a cold. I also took time off because my family decided to make the best out of a series of unfortunate events and managed to get my sister to come to Canada for the holidays! And yes, this workaholic did do some work. I’ve been busy scheming and planning for 2026. GOATS comes out next month, and that’s just the beginning!
See you all in the new year! Stay Spooky!
