2025 Reflections!
on new ideas & planting seeds
So unfortunately this substack was one of the many things that fell by the wayside this past semester. But I like having a small corner of the internet where I can share my thoughts about writing and publishing, so I thought I’d do one last reflection to close out the year. Something that I’ve been thinking about more and more lately is how it continues to become increasingly clear that publishing’s professed “commitment” to uplifting Black voices in 2020 was a convenient money grab. Sure, it was definitely one that I benefited from (trust me, I’ve spent a lot of time questioning whether I only sold YTA because it was 2020). Lately, a few people have asked me whether I’m still writing, especially given that I’m pursuing my PhD and the fact that I’ve pretty much stopped talking about publishing on social media. The short answer is yes, I’ve been writing albeit more slowly.
Sub is kinda like fight club: the first rule of fight club is that you don’t talk about fight club. But sub has all but consumed my life this year, which is also part of why I haven’t talked much about publishing/writing as of late. Now that I’ve gained some distance from some of the projects, I feel like I’m able to reflect on the experiences a bit more. One of the projects that I was on sub with this year I actually went on sub with in 2024. I won’t share much about the project except that it came incredibly close to selling. But unfortunately contemporary is a hard sell right now, and that’s a lesson that I’ve been learning for like the past two years. By the time that project died on sub, I had already moved on mentally. I think when I got a comment in a pass from a non-Black editor that the project was too similar to two other books by Black authors, I mentally disengaged. The funny thing was that the books had no similarities besides the fact that they all had Black characters and a thriller/mystery element. The plot and social commentary across all three were completely different. After the microagressive comment, I mentally checked out from publishing for a bit. I’m not the only Black author to get rejections like that, but that doesn’t make them sting any less. This industry, like many, takes a huge mental toll on authors from marginalized communities, and it’s not a topic that authors are encouraged to talk about.
Of course I felt disappointed because the manuscript didn’t sell. But, alas, in publishing the only thing you can do is lick your wounds and decide to quit or decide to keep going. So, I went out on sub with two other projects this year because I run on spite—or tenacity. They’re both projects that are a bit different from what I usually write, and I hope I’ll be able to share more details about those projects soon. Truthfully, I was getting down on myself for how sub had panned out this year. But after taking a step back, I remembered that getting a book deal is like winning the lottery. So much of it is about luck and timing. I also had to remind myself that going on sub with two new projects—all while juggling the most stressful semester I’ve ever experienced— is actually a huge accomplishment. I’m choosing to believe that this year was about planting seeds and next year, I’ll see them blossom.
Speaking of planting seeds, I’m going into the new year working on a new idea. It’s in a completely new genre for me and feels a bit outside of my wheelhouse. I won’t share much about the WIP right now since I’m still in the brainstorming phase, but here are three songs on its accompanying playlist that capture its vibe: “Eat Your Young” by Hozier, “MODUS” by Joji, and “Super Rich Kids” by Frank Ocean. The WIP combines a few elements from my project that died on sub, which is exciting. Overall, it feels great to feel energized by writing again. Although I sometimes forget, it’s always beautiful to be reminded that the writing will always be here. There’s a quote on Pinterest that’s along the lines of “the magic cannot leave you when it is you.” That’s 10000% how I feel about writing. Regardless of whether I ever publish again, I’m still a writer.
2025 was as a year heavily focused on revising, and I haven’t actually drafted a new manuscript since 2024. I’m looking forward to pushing myself creatively and returning to my writerly sandbox. Even though drafting isn’t my favorite part of the writing process, it is one of the most magical. It’s always fascinating to be reminded that I actually weave whole worlds.
And despite the dumpster fire that was 2025, good things still happened this year! I got to be on a panel for the Ithaca Is Book festival, which was amazing. And I got some exciting updates about A THOUSAND NIGHTS, the YA anthology that I’m a part of it. I’ll be able to share a lot of those updates next year! I also picked up a new hobby that I love—junk journaling—and attended three concerts! And lastly, I taught a new class—one focused on social justice in YA—and it went fantastically!
Speaking of next year, next semester, I’ll be preparing for my comprehensive exams—which are exams I need to take in order to become a PhD candidate. Then in the fall, I’ll begin working on my dissertation. That feels absolutely wild to write, but that’s what’s in store, and therefore, I’m not putting too much pressure on myself in terms of drafting this new WIP. Honestly, if I knock out a zero draft by summer break, I’ll be impressed with myself. My hope is that I’ll lock in and document the drafting process here. And if you’re here, it’ll be nice to have you along for the ride!
Here’s to a new year of blossomed seeds and continued tenacity!
What I’ve Loved Lately
Reading: Loved One by Aisha Muharrar It’s an absolutely stunning exploration of love and grief, and it’s one of my favorite reads of the year.
Watching: Like everyone else, I’m going to the cottage on Friday! Besides Heated Rivalry, I’ve started my yearly rewatch of Dash and Lily.
Listening: I’ve been listening to a lot of Hozier to get into the vibe of my new WIP! I’ve also had “just like magic” by Ariana Grande on repeat because I’m calling in abundance and great energy for the new year.
So, that it’s for this month/year! I’m looking forward to all that 2026 has to offer, and I’m wishing everyone a gentle transition into the new year.
~LS