2025 is coming to a close, and this has been an amazing year in my author journey! I started the year with a manuscript, a book cover, and an overwhelming angst about what lay ahead. Charcuterie Girl was published in March, and back then, I had no idea how much I would learn about publishing, book marketing, and connecting with my readers. I was thrilled to see an outpouring of support from friends and family, and eventually, strangers who embraced my novel and welcomed me into their literary circles.

I broke out of my comfort zone to attend a writer’s retreat on the shores of the Potomac River in Virginia, where I met and bonded with a group of very smart and talented female writers; a chance encounter that turned into friendship, comradery, and unbelievable support that has lasted long after we left the cabin in the woods where we first met that September week.

I was hosted one evening in November by a local culinary school called No Thyme to Cook and the local library, where we shared food and laughter with strangers as we discussed my debut novel. Two hours of non-stop questions that I was thrilled to answer!

This past year, I was hosted at book clubs, where I had the opportunity to meet new readers in person. As I promoted my book, I connected with old friends from high school, college, and my career that I had not spoken to in years. Catching up with old acquaintances has been a blessing.

Perhaps what surprised me the most this past year was a notification I received in October that I won the international Best Indie Book Award (BIBA) for romance. This both humbled and thrilled me. It’s an honor to have my debut novel win this award.

My goal in writing Charcuterie Girl was to make my readers laugh, cry, and remember the importance of friendship in tough times. Life throws us curveballs, but with best friends by our side, we can navigate even life’s most challenging moments. And sometimes second chances at love are right around the corner if we stay the course. The feedback I’ve received on Amazon and Goodreads has echoed this, and I am thrilled to have reached readers’ hearts and connected with them.

What a year! From a manuscript to an award-winning novel, 2025 set me on a writing journey that I hope to continue for years to come.

Thank you, readers, for your support this past year. I look forward to connecting with you again in 2026!