My New Year’s Wish tag was JOY—and all I can say is that so far? That’s been right on! What a month!

I finished writing a short story, “Hot Times at the Dinosaur Bidet.” Set on New Year’s Eve 1999, everyone’s waiting for Y2K to happen (or not?)… but there’s something far worse out there, and it can’t be stopped. I submitted the piece to the intended market, which passed. I’ve already selected twenty places to send it to. I finished another short story that I can’t talk about because the market I’m sending to requires blind submissions.

Discovered that my story “All the Silent Nights,” for which artwork was commissioned, has been published in Christmas Spirits Volume 2. This collection of classically-inspired holiday ghost stories also features amazing art, and the volume is gorgeous, down to the glossy paper. Don’t miss this one.  https://store.bookbaby.com/book/christmas-spirits-vol-2

34 Orchard was only open from January 1 – 10, and we’re only doing one call this year to shore up both 2026 issues. We only accepted fiction, no poetry this time. We received 1000 subs, and we’ve picked up a few for 2027 already. We got some great work, including a piece from Nepal! I can’t wait. I have to finish clearing out the inbox by Feb. 28. I still have a LOT to read! Our membership application was also accepted for the Community of Literary and Magazines and Presses.

I’d signed up to go back to volunteer at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, and on Jan. 7 I got the email to attend an introductory session. Between 2001 and 2004 I served 1400 hours. Between 2015 and 2019 I’m not sure how many—I didn’t keep track—but this time around? It’s a brand new fresh start. No one I worked with is there anymore, and they’re now on a playing level with Mystic. I’m up for the challenge and got word that after my background check, my first day will be on my birthday, February 5.

The Dark Discussions podcast, on which I’ve been a part-time co-host for a dozen years, sees our 700th episode this year, and welcomed 2026 in the top 20% of most-listened to ’casts across all carriers. This is Phillip Perron’s baby, and he’s the reason it’s as successful as it is. Curious? Visit https://www.darkdiscussions.com/ This month, we taped episodes on Together, The Hem, and the 2025 Bucket List, for which I chose 2025’s Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Oval Portrait.” Rent that here: https://www.amazon.com/Edgar-Allan-Poes-Oval-Portrait/dp/B0FRB41GY4/

House news: I finally hung up some artwork in my office. Still more to hang! Also hung up some artwork down in the dining room. We’ve got a ways to go to reclaim this place, but we’re getting there.

A highlight was attending and presenting at the Winter 2026 Virtual Clockhouse Writers Conference & Retreat, in which Goddard MFAs get together and share info and inspo. It was a rejuvenating weekend of write-ins, prompt sessions, and workshops with like minds in a community that puts the stress on creation. I was honored to share the ever-popular The Architecture of the Manuscript Submissions Process, read a little of a new piece, and moderated a work-in-progress session. But mostly I just enjoyed everyone else. So much moving, powerful work. It was pretty amazing.

On the fun side, I re-watched childhood favorites: 1984’s V and 1983’s Wizards & Warriors. I’m reading How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu and King’s The Shining.

I closed out the month with a visit from fellow writer Trisha J. Wooldridge—we visited Stew Leonard’s (my every day, but a treat for her!) and visited Mystic Aquarium to see the mermaids.

Were there some downsides this month? Oh yes. There always are. I had to wear a glucose monitor to see if I was “on the cusp of diabetes” due to high triglycerides. It turns out that it’s all just due to the MCAS, and that any sugar spikes I’m having are basically due to how stressed I am. I’m upset? Here comes 250. I’m calm? Totally in normal range. A1C well into normal, fasting blood sugars normal. It just changes with trauma response. So… still working on that nervous system, but other than that, it’s all good. Can’t say it wasn’t scary since pancreatic failure is ultimately what killed my dad, but I think I got this.

Hope you’re having a great February!