I just wanted to write for the sake of writing. Imagine that.

So, as we all head into 2026, I encourage you to find joy in what you do. Feel free to tell me in the comments why you write or what gives you joy.

Wishing you all the best in 2026!

xoxo Dana (8/8)

I may never get an agent. I may never see my books in print. But that's okay, because it matters more to me to love what I do and not worry about the future. The truth is, when I started writing in 2020, "the future" was the last thing on my mind. (7/8)

I love creating characters and writing their lives into existence on the page. It's why I write. If there isn't joy, why bother? Writing is hard enough, after all.

Since that moment, my goal has been to write with joy. Always. If I don't have that, I don't have anything. (6/8)

Instead of following the knee-jerk instinct to put a mountain of pressure on myself, I thought, "What do I want to feel when I write?"

The answer was simple: joy. I want my writing to be joyful. I love writing. I love to tell stories. (5/8)

The old Dana would have picked: "Finish the manuscript and get an agent." I would have put that pressure on myself at a point in time where I was rebuilding my shaky confidence after some deeply hurtful experiences. But, fortunately, the new Dana knew better. She didn't fall for the trap. (4/8)

Do the quiet, but important work of showing up for myself every day. Listen to my inner voice. Breathe. Remember that pressure isn't necessary.

It was during a retreat that I set an unusual (for me) goal for the next year of writing. (3/8)

Resolutions are great--they can be motivating, aspirational, inspirational, all of that.

For me, however, if there is anything I have learned in 2025, it's to keep things simple. Look ahead ten feet and not twenty. Focus on what I can control. (2/8)

Beautiful work!

Aw, Denz! ❤️❤️❤️

It's the same ol' me. I'm just taking the horrifying steps of introducing myself to the world. 😂

Thanks for staying to learn a little about me!

Pub Subs are life, Bojangles is a state of mind, and never forget that love conquers all!

Here are some of my favorite foods! I cannot believe I forgot the La Fermiere yogurt. Just know that this yogurt is very important to my spiritual and emotional needs.

Some of my favorite movies!

Some of my all-time favorite TV shows.

My musical vibes. Just a sampling of key figures.

According to legend, I am three raccoons in a trench coat. Here is the true story.