Is 2026 the new 2016?
Ahhh, 2016. Obama was in office, The Chainsmokers were on the radio, and the world was our oyster. There was a lot to love about this niche point in history, which is why we all seem to hold a special nostalgia for it. But for me, 2016 feels like divine timing.
Ten years ago, I was in college, working for my school’s theatre program as a stage manager, and brimming with millennial optimism. I was fully convinced that once I graduated, I’d become a full-time writer.
Bet you can guess how that turned out… 😅
A lil’ backstage baby in 2016
Spoiler. I didn’t become a full time writer after graduation. I got married, moved to Japan (that’s a whole other story 😅), and was busy living out my own happily ever after. I dove into another career as a photographer that I adored, and convinced myself I didn’t have the drive to write anymore after years of hustling.
I missed theatre a lot. I missed that feeling of making something. I missed the fun and hope I had when I was in school in the golden year of 2016.
That nostalgia turned into an idea for a romance novel. And that novel, OFF BOOK: A SHOWMANCE, led me to my wonderful literary agent, and is now out on submission with editors.
It’s crazy to think that ten years after the fact, I’m closer to achieving my dreams than I ever thought I could be. (A theme also reflected in my novel 😉) I started working on this book three years ago, and the fact that it has finally found momentum in 2026 certainly feels a bit like fate.
So I don’t know if 2026 is 2016 reincarnate, but I do know that it’s NEVER too late to chase your dreams.
Spice up your lock screen 🌶️ check out the
Kickin’ off 2026
Now for the good stuff:
For those of you looking to chase your own dreams this year, I’ve put together some querying advice to help you on your path.
Also be sure to check out my January faves! There’s plenty of goodies in there to help you get through the rest of this gloomy winter.
Tap the images below and it’ll take ya there 😉
Giveaway!
Querying authors, this one’s for you!
Getting feedback on my query letter was imperative to my success, and I’d love to pay it forward. This month I’ll be giving away 3 free query critiques! If you’d like to have your query letter reviewed by yours truly, please submit by 2/14/26. Winners will be chosen at random and emailed directly by 2/20/26!
Can’t wait to read! ☺️
Sami says, “Thanks for stopping by! Stay warm.”
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