Merry Christmas from Tamika Christy Books!
The holidays are a time of family and reflection. I love decorating the house, cooking, and gathering with family, but gratitude always tops out my list of to-dos during the holidays. This year will look a lot different for many of us. Personally, this will be my first Christmas without my dad. It's been a rough journey, so for anyone experiencing loss this holiday season, I'm sending you extra love and hugs from the Bay Area.
Given the stress of this year, I encourage all of us to spend a little extra time reflecting on 2020, the lessons learned, the ones we lost, and remembering to be grateful for every little thing. It's an easy agreement this year is more challenging than most. Because of the pandemic's effects, I find myself more appreciative of the simple things—like my fantastic community of writer friends and support. I've used this blog to share my writing life, woes, and tips, and you've been here to absorb it all gracefully and patiently, and for that, I'm grateful.
Now that 2020 is almost out of the way, what are you looking forward to in 2021?
For me, I'm sending my baby girl off to college. She completed her first semester (with a 4.0—woot woot!) from home, but she will be traveling to the nation's capital to complete freshman year. I'm also working on book number three, and I love this new family! I gave the Goode's a rest—I'll revisit them later. But for now, my writer's brain is in Opelousas, Louisiana, developing the Chavis crew. They are so much fun and drama-filled! They fight, throw shade, and love and support one another. Y'all know I'm all about good family drama and finding healthy resolutions to trauma and uncertainty. I am enjoying the Chavis', and when it's time to introduce you to them, I hope you will too.
In addition to writing and family, I am focused on remaining positive. We are in unprecedented times and don't always know which direction to turn or how long this uncertainty will last. I challenge you to lean into your positive space and reflect on your blessings. Big and small. Things could be better, but guess what? They could be a lot worse. Focus on the good, hug your loved ones, and get to writing. See y'all next year!
Write on,
Tamika