A Year of Storytelling: What I’m Most Proud Of (and What’s Next)
Another year is closing softly, quietly, like a storybook page turning under warm lantern light. And as I sit here reflecting on everything that unfolded, I feel both humbled and deeply proud.
This year stretched me, transformed me, held me, and taught me. It asked me to rise in new ways while also returning to pieces of myself I thought I had outgrown. More than anything, it reminded me why I tell stories in the first place: to create connection, to offer comfort, to leave a little light for someone else to find their way.
Here are the moments that shaped my year and what I’m carrying with me into the next chapter.
The Creative Milestones That Made My Heart Swell
This year was one of the most creatively expansive of my life. I stepped into rooms I once only dreamed of, held new responsibilities, and said yes to becoming a fuller version of myself.
Stepping into my Director era & filming three phases of The Christmas Witch movie
There is something indescribable about watching a world you imagined become something you can see, touch, and walk through. Standing behind the camera felt like coming home to a part of myself I had always been moving toward. Each phase of filming challenged me, delighted me, and reminded me that storytelling lives in every tiny detail, every expression, sound, texture, and breath.
Reviving my blog and pouring my creativity into the space
This was the year my blog became a true extension of Amberlight Valley. Soft. Magical. Reflective. A place where I could reconnect with my voice… not just the “writer” voice, but the human behind it.
Exploring Cannes with my mom
A dream trip and a core memory rolled into one. Sharing a global celebration of film with her — with the woman who encouraged me to write my first screenplay — felt like a full-circle blessing.
Speaking as the keynote at Gateway Academy’s 2025 Graduation
It was one of the greatest honors of the year. My words were for the students, yes, but they also healed younger pieces of me who longed to feel seen and understood.
Releasing The Secrets of Starlight Lake
Finishing this book felt like splashing into the water — a milestone filled with wonder and hope. I am so proud of the world, the magick, and the heart within these pages.
Outlining and working on Love at the Lantern Trail
This story is a love letter to millennial nostalgia, autumn coziness, and the pieces of myself I’ve been inviting back. It feels like wrapping myself in an old sweatshirt and finding a forgotten love note in the pocket.
Hosting a successful 8th annual Show Low Film Festival
Every year, this festival reminds me of the power of community… of artists gathering, supporting each other, and celebrating their work. It’s one of my favorite things we do.
A Challenge That Quietly Grew Me As a Storyteller
This year deeply taught me the art of the pivot. There were moments during the script-to-screen process when budget, scheduling, or unforeseen changes forced us to rethink scenes. At first, it felt daunting — but ultimately, it became one of the greatest gifts.
It stretched my creativity. It sharpened my instincts. It showed me that sometimes a story becomes stronger when you’re willing to approach it from a different angle. Adapting isn’t failure… It’s evolution.
Moments That Reminded Me Why I Do This
It was the people. Always the people.
Meeting readers at book signings this year… hearing how these characters touched them, how Amberlight Valley feels like home, left a mark on my heart. And connecting with the cast and crew of The Christmas Witch… hearing their stories, their reasons for joining the project, their love for these characters… it reminded me that storytelling is never a solitary act. It’s a shared heartbeat.
The Story That Felt Like “Coming Home”
Love at the Lantern Trail.
It carries autumn air, millennial nostalgia, tenderness, friendship, healing — pieces of myself I hadn’t given enough space to in recent years. Writing this story feels like walking through a familiar town after being away too long. Like rediscovering old versions of myself through the lens of new understanding.
It’s comfort. It’s warmth. It’s coming home. And I can’t wait for you to read it.
How My Voice Evolved This Year
Directing changed the way I write. It taught me to see more, to imagine not just the words but the camera angles, the pacing, the breath between lines. My writing feels more cinematic now… intentional, grounded, visually rich. I think readers will continue to feel that shift as more of my filmmaking and writing worlds merge.
What I’m Letting Go Of as I Step Into a New Season
I’m releasing…
Anything that drains my energy or pulls me away from alignment.
Obligations that come from guilt instead of genuine desire.
Fear around advocating for my needs — accessibility, support, space, understanding.
The weight of worrying about what others think of me. (They will make their assumptions regardless. My job is simply to be true.)
Lightness makes room for magic. I’m choosing lightness.
A Creative Dream on My Horizon for 2026
Completing The Christmas Witch movie feels like standing on the edge of a dream — the final phase of filming, the whirlwind of post-production, and then that breathtaking moment when the world finally sees the story I’ve carried for years. I can’t believe that this moment is nearly here.
My deepest hope is that readers and OG fans feel honored, sense the love woven into every scene, and feel even closer to these characters than ever before. It’s exhilarating and vulnerable and, yes… it terrifies me in the best possible way.
How I’ll Celebrate Before Turning the Page
New Year’s Eve at home in pajamas, surrounded by my family, reflecting on the year with gratitude and grounding.
A cozy night.
A joy box.
A warm blanket.
A quiet heart.
A vision board for what’s to come.
This is how I honor what has been… and welcome what is on its way.
🕯️ Wander into Amberlight and beyond—sign up for updates, secrets, and the occasional enchanted surprise.
