If I could sum up 2025 in one word it would be, invigorating.
I found a new strength in writing and honing in on my creativity, while putting the social media noise and pressure to perform and be perceived a certain way on the back-burner.
Plans to release by debut novel Still Waters Run Deep had stalled 2024, but 2025 was a rebirth in so many ways. In April, Still Waters Run Deep was officially released, and it was an achievement I will cherish forever. It was also a year of many things: the emergence of a consistent production program for Indie Author Life Show, the development and public announcement of my second full-length novel Darkness in the Flesh, and development of Air & Flame, a short story foray into romantasy.
It was also a year I expanded my social horizons, attending more book launches and author events than ever before.
Major Milestones
Still Waters Run Deep
As mentioned in my introduction, I published Still Waters Run Deep 30th April 2025. This was accompanied by a book launch event that was held at Holmesglen TAFE Chadstone Library. This was an amazing event for me, and the organisation of the library staff were incredible. I was surrounded by friends and family, as well as some reviewers. To see the amount of people show up for me was overwhelming, and brought so much joy to my life.
When you write a book, you just hope that one person at least would enjoy it. I am reminded of the quote from Yayoi Kusama, from the exhibition I attended at NGV Melbourne this year. This quote on the wall read: If there is a chance that in 100 years’ time there will be just one person who will look at my work and be touched by it, then I must continue to create art for that one person.’
I quoted that statement in my book launch presentation as a way to capture how I feel about my creative practice. It is certainly not always how I feel about the writing and illustrations that I make, as I do believe there should be a strong element of self fulfilment in creativity, rather than caring about what others may think. However, the feeling you get when someone else other than yourself also cares about your work, is a feeling like no other. So I find myself coming back and reflecting on that statement to reinvigorate me when I need it to.
Events
What a year for events! Along with my first ever book launch, I also attended the following events as a signing author:
* Verandah Sessions, Grace & Louie Booksellers
* All Booked Out, Coven Press
* Novel Nook group signing with other authors, Mandi Kontos, Rachel O’Rourke, SK Stapar, SK May
* Sweet Love Book Fair
* Adelaide Indie Author Book Fair, Greenhill Press
Though I am a self-determined introvert, I found myself similarly reinvigorated by the book events, no matter how many people passed by my table and how much my cheeks ached after smiling all day. Nothing that a good nap cannot fix anyhow. But it is also another testament to how I know I am in the right place, when social events are not draining in ways that I am used to. Yes, physically, recovery time is a must. But I went away from every single book event with a renewed sense of motivation and joy from the customers and other authors I interacted with at the book events. That is why in 2026 I plan to go to a total of ten book events as a signing author!
It is one of the most enjoyable parts of being an author I have found, and the connection I feel with other authors and patrons in these spaces is incredibly special.
Behind the Scenes, challenges and growth
While the polished posts and reels on social media tell one story, this year was not without background rumblings and challenges. That is the reality of human existence, and I relish a good challenge, no matter how painful it might be!
I have been in the thralls of manuscript writing for my next full-length novel, Darkness in the Flesh. Oh how it has been challenging! It is my first time writing in first person, which I have very much enjoyed. However, I have to keep reminding myself that the story must be written through the protagonist’s eyes, so I cannot write anything that does not include her (Gatira). Unless I use some sort of dark magik power to do so… hmm that is an idea (No, no more ideas). I have to finish this manuscript, that is the goal I have set for myself. 100,000 was the word count goal, but it is now looking like it will surpass that. Isn’t that always the case? Especially so since I wanted Gatira’s backstory to be a novella, maximum 20,000 words. Well, now sitting at 95,000 words or so, I can safely say we are no longer in short story territory.
But that is the exciting thing about creativity, sometimes you have to let things unfold and that is the best way when it happens like that. Of course, I have set myself a goal to get the manuscript to my editor by June 2026 (with all personal edits completed of course).
I have been finding this manuscript to be particularly difficult, and at times hard to write. I think this is a combination of life being busy in regards to promoting my current release Still Waters Run Deep. But the contents and themes of Darkness in the Flesh, are like the title implies; dark. There’s a lot of vulnerable moments in this story, ones that I can relate to on many personal levels. Perhaps a lot of the writing in this story comes from a cathartic place, which perhaps might confuse those who know me personally. I think there are so many differences and so many similarities to the character of Gatira and myself. In many ways, I see Gatira as a representation of the underbelly of my existence. A vulnerable, dark side that only I see. She perhaps acts in ways that I wish I could, release a lot of pent up frustration in ways that are self fulfilling. But where Gatira and I differ is the empathy level.
Though there is a certain level of empathy Gatira does possess, I would certainly say our differences lie in the amount if said empathy levels. I feel at times I am overwhelmed by empathy, and that can stifle the true extent of releasing my emotions at the fear of hurting other people. The same cannot be said for Gatira’s temperament, but I will not go into her story any deeper for now. You’ll just have to find out more in mid 2026 ;)
What’s next in 2026
The Indie Author Life Show will continue to expand and grow. I have signed on a full roster of guests for the entire year so that an episode a fortnight can be released. Additionally, there is now a guest application form open for 2027! I am so proud of the way things are going with the show, and I cannot wait to post more interviews and author chats next year.
Finally, thank you.
The continued support and enthusiasm shown to the show and myself has been so amazing. I am always blown away when I am chatting to someone in the indie book world and they say ‘I love listening to your show’ and the like. What started as a little side project has quickly turned into a new found passion, and every episode that I record teaches me something new. I am forever thankful and grateful for all the support I have received over the last year. So, to all of you wonderful listeners/watchers/supporters out there - THANK YOU.
2026 will be bigger and better than ever, mark my words.
Take care, all.
Timestamps
00:00 introduction
00:43 One word that describes 2025
01:46 Still Waters Run Deep
06:50 What is happening behind the scenes
12:22 The Book Events I attended
26:25 Personal journey with managing energy levels and fatigue
33:36 Darkness In the Flesh, new book
39:30 What is coming up in 2026!
MG Hunt’s Links
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