Tag: Denise M Colby

Flourish Even Amongst Writing Deadlines

My 2025 word of the year is flourish. And when I started this blog post with a different topic, I realized I had not written anything about it this year on this blog. None. Zilch. Nadda. Except for one little mention in a blog post about my 2nd book’s birthday.

And then it hit me. I haven’t spent a lot of time talking about my word this year, because I’ve been so busy living it. Which is exactly where I want to be.

I will admit, that even though flourish is my 2025 word, there are some days I feel like I’m floundering. But then I look at all I have accomplished this year, and I have flourished. (This is why we need to keep track, and count all the steps we take, including those in between every year. I share some tips in a blog post titled Find Motivation to Accomplish Goals)

My writing has improved. I’ve published my second book in 2025, successfully, I might add. And my first novella releases in November (I can do a cover reveal post next month). I’m currently busy writing my next full novel as well as putting together pitches for more stories.

Not bad for someone who was ready to quit two years ago.

Yes, you heard that correctly. I was ready to walk away from all of this and then my big break happened.

I’m still figuring out how to juggle marketing my current books while continuing to write, but by writing down what I’ve done so far this year, I have done several things. (Launch windows are a whole other thing as well and I’m getting better at it). 

January is when many other writers set their blog and review schedules, and I’ve been able to do a yearly planner for the first time this year. I’ve learned how to utilize BookFunnel and have added both my books to a different promotion every month. 

For example, this month both my books are in a Christian and Clean Romance Books group. Click on the graphic to see what it’s all about. It will also help me get my numbers up 🙂

I’ve also participated in an author email swap and an author sponsored book club with eleven other authors. It’s been great getting to make new author friends and read their stories.

As I grow older, health has been an area of focus for me and this year is no different. Figuring out which foods affect me has been one thing. Having hernia surgery in March was another. I had no idea that something I had felt for years was impacting me so much. Now I’m on a quest to get stronger, lifting weights every day and stretching to get myself in better shape. When we went camping last month, I could ride a bike longer and without pain in my leg. I call that a win, and another area I can flourish in.

Definitely not last on the list is my walk with God. This one is the most important area for me, but something that can be the most challenging to make the time for. It must be a daily event for me to focus on and strive in order to flourish. Through my time with Him comes the stories he wants me to tell. But it’s more than that. It’s the compass of my life, all aspects of my life, and how I respond to the daily challenges thrown my way. 

Again, I feel sometimes as if I’m floundering here, but the grace, mercy, and forgiveness I receive from the Lord, helps me in turn show others the same. That was something I stumbled on when choosing flourish this year. There is a thing such as spiritual flourishing, and even though there was not a specific Bible verse for this, this was exactly what I am striving for.

Spiritual flourishing involves regular prayer, studying the Bible, trusting in God’s promises and living out my faith in daily actions. The nature of true flourishing is a contentment in Christ regardless of circumstances.

And that we can help others flourish too. By encouraging others, share God’s love, serve those in need, and pray for one another. This is my daily prayer, that I can be an encouragement to others including my husband and my kids.

“In his days may the righteous flourish and peace abound, till the moon is no more.” Psalm 72:7

“May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children”  Psalms 115:14

I’ve dedicated a section on my website for my Word of the Year. I’ve already started building the flourish page. Take a peek. And come finish the year 2025 with a flourish!