Hey friends. I can't tell you how thankful I am that you are here. 2025 has been good to me and I'm feeling so many things as we close the year and open a new one.
My two biggest highlights that I am proud of was finally publishing my debut novel, Madamn, and leaving a terrible and borderline abusive job. These two things alone have changed my life SO much and in just the second half of the year.
These two things are still shaping my life, truth be told and I am so excited to see where this goes. For the first time since I started publishing in 2016, I am getting enough income to cover all of my business bills. Meaning I finally have stopped paying out of pocket and pouring money into my business.
I am still a long ways from the actual "break even" point of what I have put into this novel, but the fact that it is paying for itself and the payments I make each month is saying a lot.
Today I even made my last payment to my editor and cover designer!
Oh! Also noteworthy, I paid off my student loans this year!
In case you couldn't tell, financials has been a huge focus of mine for a while now. It's such a breath of fresh air to not feel like I am drowning in monthly payments, especially since I am no longer working a full time job. It got rough there for a minute, but things are certainly turning around.
As things continue to improve financially, I am working towards stepping into being an author full time. Between the 5 books I have published, additional books being written, reading retreats, and merch, I have a lot of potential for income. I might even be willing to step into helping others to publish as a publishing house.
I have been talking about this idea for years. I haven't actually moved forward because it's a scary and big jump. In the past, I have also always had limited time as I have worked odd jobs, full time and part time. However, with my part time job that just ended, I might jump in with both feet. I'm starting fairly small at first, but there are a few people I'm talking to about this possibility.
I will also continue to apply for grants until I can actually receive much needed funding to keep this business fully afloat. One way or another, this is the year I fully step into my chosen career.
Which is why I am so grateful for the steps I took towards freedom in 2025. My employment, my novel, and paying off my student loans has set things up for an incredible year next year and I can't wait to see what happens.
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