I debated posting a 2021 career highlights recap, mostly because all I could think about were the things I DIDN’T do or DIDN’T finish this year. (Why yes, I do have a deadline hanging over my head, how did you know?) It’s a lot easier for me to look ahead at what’s still to come than look back to celebrate what I’ve already done. (Something I’m trying to work on!) But then I realized I had THREE releases this year—four if you count You Had Me at Hola releasing in Brazil—and I’ve been THRILLED at the reader response to all of them. Yes, Adiós has made some “best of” lists, but just as important are the number of readers who’ve tagged me to say it was one of their favorite reads of the year. There were so many great stories that came out this year, and it means a lot to me whenever someone decides to spend time with one of mine! 💙 I’m also really proud of the work I put out this year. A Lot Like Adiós, What the Hex, and Amor Actually are the kinds of projects I once dreamed of publishing. To put them all out in one year feels kind of amazing, now that I stop to think about it. Not to mention having a byline in the Washington Post, seeing the lead actress from a TV show I love reading my book, and having the anthology we busted our butts to publish show up in the New York Times not just once, but twice?! All in all, the last two years, which have sucked in so many other ways, have been a bit of a dream come true career-wise. The fact that I can even call writing my career is a dream come true! So this is me acknowledging that the work I put in this year was enough. Anything any of us managed to do this year was enough! And I’m so grateful to be surrounded by amazing people who keep me going every day. (And who also understand and encourage the rest days.) My 2022 publishing plans are up in the air, but the ideas are flowing, and that’s really the best I can hope for. I’m raising a metaphorical glass to you with the wish that we all go easier on ourselves in 2022. If these last two hell years have taught us anything, it’s that we have to take better care of ourselves and each other. 🥂 Cheers, and happy new year!