I started this year with a plan – I was going to finish the first book in my cozy fantasy series (Love, Death, and Other Things I’m Bad At), start working on query letters with my old publishing team’s help, draft book 2, and try to keep up with other creative projects on the side if I had the time.

And of course, keep working my day job and keep my children alive, as expected.

Well, tell the universe your plans and watch it laugh, right? In February I unexpected began my querying process early when the opportunity to pitch to literary agents live presented itself. Instead of concentrating on book 2, I found myself attending live events and sitting in pitch meetings.

Then April started with a bang when the company I’ve been working at for the last 3 and a half years was acquired. What this means remains to be seen, but the future is suddenly a little murkier than before.

Finally, I found my way back to painting and through a series of unexpected events, my paintings are now on display for sale in a lovely little art studio.

And so I find myself entering the second quarter of the year with completely different plans than I started out with. I have no idea what the rest of this year will look like, but there’s also a twinge of excitement in change and unpredictability. So cheers to spring and all the new beginnings.