This year was spent working on my career in production (live events and TV). While I appreciated the opportunities I was granted this year, it took me away from my writing.

2022 was supposed to be my level up year. I had a long list of goals, ideas I wanted to write and publish, promotion ideas, and it all went down the drain. I sulked, stressed, vented to my mentor over and over about all the deadlines I missed, engagement I lost, and so on and so on…

As I sit back and think about what I did accomplish in the midst of everything, I am still proud of myself.

In January, I published The New Year Resolution. Since 2018, I’ve published a New Year themed short story. The New Year Resolution is a short, second chance story and a best friend’s brother trope. Lori and Karter were so cute and I enjoyed kicking off the year with them.

Lori Woods had completed all of her new year resolutions except one, the most spontaneous one of them all; to go on a blind date. With the help of her best friend, Lori was set up on a date with Karter Reid. Karter was the one man her heart couldn't escape, no matter how hard she fought it. After years of inopportune timing and failed communication, Karter is determined to make 2021 the last year they spend apart.

Following the release of TNR, I resumed a project I started in September 2021, Songs In The Key Of Love. I could go on and on and on about how much this project means to me and my career. This story pushed my pen and was cathartic af. It’s my longest project to date at just over 67k words, has over 200+ ratings on AMZN & GR, and is one of my favorite projects. Not to say Brown Sugar, Love On Repeat, or Because of Love have been replaced. Buttt Songs is definitely up there in my top five.

I adore Ayla & Kendrix, and I often think of ways to bring them back in the future. In this story the Hero, Kendrix is grieving the loss of his father, and I related to him so much since the passing of my grandmother in Nov. ‘21.

While writing this project I also worked on the game show The Cube, and let me tell you, working 10-12 hour days, AND making time to write is no easy feat.

**pats self on the back**

Ayla Peters and Kendrix Davis were at the height of their careers. At a time that should’ve been considered the highlight of their lives, they were fighting battles with no end in sight.

Ayla Peters, better known as Rosé Marie, was on the verge of burnout. The music career, which she worked so hard to establish, left her questioning who she was and stifled her creative process. With her album’s deadline swiftly approaching, Ayla takes a trip to a secluded island to rest and reset. While there, she meets an unlikely acquaintance, and a source for inspiration–in more ways than one.

With a fresh Grammy under his belt, songwriter, Kendrix Davis should’ve felt invincible. Instead, he was dealing with the unbearable loss of his greatest supporter. Unsure of what to do next, Kendrix embarks on a journey to find himself. During his sabbatical, he finds a muse, and a friend.

Their love for music brought them together.

The undeniable chemistry they shared made working together a breeze.

When the lines of their business relationship start to blur, Ayla and Kendrix must accept the inevitable; they were the missing piece in each other’s life.

After the release of Songs, I was on a high and wanted to write something short and steamy. I published Remedy shortly after my four year authorversary in June. I was inspired to write this story after listening to the song by Cherise. This novella follows Noah and Regina who meet on a group trip to Tulum. After an unconventional introduction, sparks fly and they decide to explore a long-distance relationship. Their story is filled with all the feels, steam, and relatability that I like in a romance.

For Regina Miles and Noah Dixon, a chance encounter while on vacation with friends is the perfect remedy to help them cope with recent heartbreaks.

Once the trip ends and the allure of having a fling in paradise wears off, will their inexplicable chemistry be enough to withstand a long distance relationship?

Find out in Remedy.

In September I started my romantic-suspense tale, What’s Done In The Dark on Kindle Vella. One of my secret goals is to write a full-length romance-suspense-thriller. After much research and reading, I took a chance at writing one of my own. This “who-done-it” tale has been fun to write and is getting me ready for the novel I hope to write next year. I had to take a break from writing to deal with personal and professional matters, but new episodes are coming soon. Read episodes 1-16 now on Kindle Vella.

A scorned wife. A fed up frenemy. And one astute secretary. All three are caught in the web of Jacob Prescott's lies. His estranged wife, Giselle Prescott and longtime business associate, Kevin Landry are tasked with finding the person behind Jacob's untimely death. His loyal assistant, Ali Tomas, the keeper of his dark secrets was with Jacob when he took his last breath. Will Jacob's confidant betray him to help bring him justice? Find out in What's Done In The Dark.

My last release of the year was also my first project to not be exclusively sold on amzn.

XO is a small-town novelette about loss, closure, and new beginnings. I enjoyed writing this story. The idea came quick and story flowed with ease. Writing this story has helped me find my flow and jump into my next WIP.

After receiving life-changing news, Magnolia Fields goes to her father's hometown, Eden Island, looking for answers. An unlikely encounter with Ellis Francois–the owner of the bed-and-breakfast Magnolia booked upon her arrival–begins her journey toward healing and experiencing true love.

Honorable Mention

In light of the Mississippi Water Crisis, Katrina Jackson, a fellow indie author, asked me to be apart of an anthology where ALL proceeds go to charities in Jackson, MS. The anthology has two volumes of Black romance and erotica stories.

My contribution, My One and Only Love is available in Volume II. This second chance, only one bed story was fun to write and knowing it was for a cause made it all the more sweeter.

For more information on the Anthology and ways to support those impacted by the water crisis, visit our site at www.currentantho.com!

More Honorable Mentions

I’m a reader first and foremost. I didn’t start the year with a reading goal, and didn’t read as much as I used to in the past. However, I do want to mention my favorite reads from this year.

Midnight In Manhattan by SHANICEXLOLA

The Muted Hopelessness series by LOVE BELVIN (Listened to audiobooks)

The Predators MC series by CHRISTINA C JONES (Listened to audiobooks)

Honey & Spice by BOLU BABALOLA

A Worthy Love by A.E. VALDEZ

I ended the year with millions of pages read, an increase in followers on social media (TikTok engagement was my biggest goal), and significant growth in my writing. I am ready for 2023, which will be my fifth year as an indie author. My goals are humble, but I will attack them with zeal, discipline, and the support of you all.

Thank you for rocking with me this year, and I cannot wait for you to see what’s in store for 2023!

xoxo

Dee.