2021 – a year of nothing and everything

2021 was another strange year. Do we ever experience anything else these days? It’s a year that will loom large in the history books as the global pandemic continues, the USA saw big political changes, European political titan Angela Merkel stood down, corruption in the UK seemed to reach new heights, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, a spectator-free Olympics in Tokyo and climate events across the world highlighted the continuing need for urgent action.

And yet in a momentous year I, like many of us, did little, staying at home far more than in previous years. Highlights of the year included indoor sky diving as we finally managed to celebrate my son’s eighteenth birthday, (only a year and a half late!) watching the UK Firework championships and a holiday in Wales.

Covid has naturally continued to impact our lives, but so far I have been fortunate not to have lost anyone to the disease. The vaccine has given us hope, but the end of the pandemic still seems distant. However in my family, there has been cause for celebration. After having his dreams dashed by the pandemic last year, my eldest son qualified as a ski instructor two days before Christmas, while my middle son wowed us all with his GCSE results in the summer (One 8 and ten 9s if you’ll indulge me in a proud mum moment!)

For my books 2021 seems to have been the year they took off, with sales that this time last year I could only dream of. I remain grateful for each and every one. One interesting trend was a big increase in the paperbacks sold in late November/December. Were people buying my books as Christmas presents? It’s a lovely but humbling thought to think of them being wrapped up and placed by Christmas trees.

This year saw the release of Tyrant Whelp in the spring. The second in the Tales of the Wasteland series, Fisher King remains an ongoing project but should be released early in 2022.

cover for Arthurian historical fiction Fisher King

In a year when travel was so difficult, it is fortunate that this book is set so close to home, with the key location just across the bay from my home. Accompanied by my youngest son, a research trip was another of the highlights of the year.

Berry Head

So as 2021 draws to a close, we look forward to 2022 perhaps with hope, perhaps with fear. My writing may start edging into a new genre if the idea I’m currently working on works. It will still be historical, set in the early medieval period, but there is a twist! Keep an eye on this page for more news on that as the year progresses!

But for now, whether you are family, friend, reader, fellow-writer, or simply passing by, all that remains is for me to wish you a very Happy New Year and every happiness for 2022!