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Happy New Years! Reflections and Resolutions

Shannon Smith
Jan 1
2 min read

Hello Dreamers.

Happy New Years! 2026 is around the corner, and 2025 had been just insane. I would like to just reflect, and discuss future goals.

2025 has been...

Overall the world is in a strange place. The US went from being one of the most powerful nations in the world at the centre of western commerce and culture to being in complete decline. The world has faced disruption. Old allies are enemies now and wars have either started or intensified in that time.

Canada is in a strange place. Forced to divest from the United States, scrambling for new trade partners and allies. Patriotism bordering into nationalism decking the streets with flags in a country that normally isn't jingoistic, triggered by threats of being conquered by the US. We only have 40 million people, and yet we're being seen as a force to circumvent Trump's America? We have a banker as a prime minster, third one in a row that had no political experience prior to party-leader nomination, stating we can be an "Energy Superpower."

How Did I Do?

Just because the world is sitting on a bomb doesn't mean I can slow down.

The big goal I had for this year of "Write and Publish 3 Books in the year" I barely did. If not for cheating the spirit of the goal and pushing a book that should have been a short story post, I wouldn't have been able to do so.

Still, the 3 books pushed out this year:

I've also paid more attention to the website, including the blog. I've posted quite a few flash pieces and a few musings.

Lastly, I've been to 4 live events for my work.

Ignite by Books Author's Market
Toronto's Word on the Street
CanCon Ottawa
Barrie Public Library Local Author Market

Moving up, all and all.

What's Next?

For 2026, I will be continuing to write 3 books a year. Whisper's of the Abyss' sequel plans to be launched April 2026. For those into Lovecratian horror, romantasy, and monster romance, keep an eye out.

I also plan to post Anataya Chronicles on Substack and Notd.io, as well as here. The point of being in these places would be to find a pool of more, possible, fans. I suspect I would be compiling and publishing a book once there is enough words and stories to place.

A story I want to write would be about a Space Whale Dreaming. I've noticed this site comes up when look for anything related to space whales. Might as well.

Course, I know I will need to find a job to supplement my work here, as I'm still not earning enough from it. I'm also experimenting with other avenues, including AI.

I will try to go to more live events. The exposure brings new people into the fold.