What to expect in 2026

Last year was a hectic one for me. I over filled my release schedule and my events schedule. Although I enjoyed traveling to Australia for BABE and had a blast with my mom, I think I should have limited how many book releases I had and gone to at least one less event. Not that I went to a lot, only four. But 2 of them were very large events and one was...not great profit wise. I also allowed outside influences to dictate releasing an additional book I wasn't originally planning on releasing. And in the end was not even necessary to release at that time and I could have easily waited like I wanted.

Either way 2025 is now over and I knew from the start it was going to be exhausting and tried to fight burnout as best I could, but I'm only human. For 2026 my plans are reverting back to how I wrote and released books in the past. And that's according to my own personal schedule of; when it's done and ready is when it'll get released. Having a schedule can be helpful but I've always found it to be stressful. Putting undue pressure on me to pump out works which only makes me more mentally blocked. I've always worked and written best when not on any time table and allow myself to work with my natural flow.

So here are my plans for 2026:

-Release a book when it's done. One is currently in the works and about half done so we'll see when it's ready.

-Attend less events. I am only signed up and confirmed for one event and that's Book Harvest in October.

-Focus on patreon novella.

-Recover from 2025 burnout and refocus my work.

I've noticed a change in the market lately, and although more people are buying physical books again which is great, my overalls sales are leveling out and lowering. So I will be focusing more on marketing already released novels and writing new ones on my own schedule. I think I got sucked in and distracted by all the fun merchandise, art and swag and spent far too much money on making and producing them. Thinking my income would continue as it was and when it didn't that's when the debt became heavy. So I'm going to be thinking more frugally and smart this year spending money on only necessary things and not swag items that although I think are fun and great are also not necessary.

This financial planning also leans into my families plan to move and build our dream home on acreage of land in North Carolina. Saving where we can will be helpful when at the end of the year we hope to move.

I feel like 2026 is a major reset for a lot of people including my own friends and family. The overall financial burdens, unhealthy lifestyles, over consumption and consumerism I think is finally catching up with people including myself. And it's time for a hard reset back to factory settings. So no more rush rush rush. No more, more more more. Now it's about intentionalism and producing what's ready not what's demanded or expected. You might not see as much of me present on my author social media accounts but don't worry I'm still here.

If you'd like to support me but already own my books consider joining my patreon. It's not daily or massive amounts of new art or work. But it does have first looks at new art, art in progress, works in progress and of course the novella chapters. There is patreon exclusive art and rewards of art prints and stickers every quarter. It's the best place to know everything going on with me and my work in the most up to date posts.

I may not post as much, release as much, or travel as much, but that doesn't mean I'm gone. It just means I'm giving my brain a much needed rest. And I appreciate everyone who remains with me and supports me.

I will also be holding a sale on all existing merchandise stock once I do a proper inventory to try and make some money on items just sitting at my house. I may not send out a newsletter about it but I will post on instagram for sure. Make sure you're following me there for the most up to date information if you're not a patron.

Thank you to you all! Here's hoping 2026 is a great year for all.

-Rebecca