2024 has been a whirlwind—stories written, deadlines hit (and occasionally missed), and so many characters brought to life. As a multi-genre author, juggling sapphic romances, cozy mysteries, and fantasy serials has been equal parts chaos and magic.

This year, I’ve learned a lot, released stories I’m incredibly proud of, and laid the groundwork for exciting projects coming in 2025. So grab a cup of tea (or your beverage of choice), and let’s look back at the highlights of 2024—and what’s next!

2. 2024 Highlights – Big Wins This Year

Claerie (Sapphic Romance)This year brought warmth and swoony moments in sapphic love stories.

• A Dash of Love for Christmas: I released this festive romance about Sage, the grumpy nurse avoiding Christmas, and Peyton, the sunshine newcomer who brings light back to her life. Between snowy skating rinks, holiday markets, and a precocious child named Clem, it was the cozy hug I wanted readers to enjoy during the holidays.

• Reader love: I was blown away by the heartwarming messages and reviews. Knowing that Sage and Peyton’s story brought joy to readers made the late-night edits worth it.

CJ (Sapphic Fantasy Serial)Fantasy is where I let my imagination go wild, and 2024 was all about building worlds and expanding arcs:

• I made huge progress on my sapphic fantasy serial, finishing installments that brought more magic, found family, and evolving mysteries to readers.

• Big News for 2025: I finalized plans to release the first omnibus in March 2025, bundling Books 1-3 for fans who want a binge-worthy experience!

C.J. Bellvue (Cozy Mysteries)This was the year of clues, curses, and charming small-town mysteries:

• Fablefern Progress: I completed Book 2 and made headway on Book 3, bringing Rowan’s magical seamstress sleuthing adventures to life.

• Sweet Street Sleuths: I submitted cozy mystery short stories to anthologies, featuring a mother-daughter baking duo solving crimes tied to their bakery. Seeing these ideas grow has been a highlight of the year!

Whether it was romance, magic, or mystery, 2024 was about crafting stories that I hope brought joy and intrigue to readers.

3. Lessons Learned in 2024

This year was a crash course in creativity, perseverance, and sometimes accepting the chaos:

• Balancing Genres: Juggling three pen names means switching creative gears constantly. It’s a challenge, but it keeps things fresh and exciting.

• Listening to Readers: Reader feedback is gold. Hearing what readers loved most—whether it’s Peyton and Sage’s skating rink moment or Rowan’s unraveling of magical mysteries—helped me focus on the heart of each story.

• Trusting the Process: Some days, the words flowed. Other days? I stared at the screen, debated throwing my laptop out the window, and then remembered that writing is messy—but worth it.

Biggest takeaway? Sometimes the best ideas come after stepping away, having a snack, and reminding myself that storytelling is about heart, not perfection.

4. What’s Coming in 2025 – Writing Plans

Next year is shaping up to be even busier, and I can’t wait to share what’s coming:

Claerie (Sapphic Romance)

• I’ll wrap up and release Books 3 and 4 in my main romance series, along with companion novellas that bring even more swoon and happy endings.

CJ (Sapphic Fantasy)

• Omnibus Release in March 2025: The first three books of my fantasy serial will be available together—perfect for new readers ready to dive into magic and mystery.

• Work will continue on future installments, with even more twists, stakes, and found family moments.

C.J. Bellvue (Cozy Mysteries)

• The Fablefern series will continue, with Rowan tackling new magical mysteries in Books 3 and 4.

• I’m expanding Sweet Street Sleuths with more anthology submissions—and possibly longer novellas to share these cozy crime-solving adventures with readers.

To everyone who picked up a book, left a review, joined my newsletter, or read a blog post this year—thank you. You make every moment of this wild, wonderful writing journey worthwhile.

2025 will be full of romance, magic, and mysteries, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.

What were your favorite books, moments, or stories in 2024? What are you most looking forward to next year? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your highlights and goals as we head into a new year!