My Regency romantic adventures have evolved since my first novella was published in 2003. Like any discipline, the more you do it the better you become at it. Over fifty novellas and seven novels later, I am delighted to begin 2026 with the publication of a new large print novel. This year instead of writing a list of new year resolutions, changing, and starting anew, I decided to do a kind of mental de-cluttering.
Writing fiction is definitely creative, it also takes determination and dedication. I realised that my desire to be more creative, not just with my writing, had been growing as 2025 was a remarkably busy year with family and friends, enjoying fun times and being supportive in the sad ones.
However, the desire to draw or paint gained even greater pull after seeing Charlie Mackesy’s presentation in December 2025 at The Barbican, London. His beautiful book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse, and the Storm has touched many lives as the packed venue showed. Making time for yourself, by taking time out from commitments, or even doing a job we love, can be hugely restorative.
Continue reading “Rediscovering Creativity: My 2026 Writing Journey”
valerie holmes, author 