New year, New Substack

Hibernation Time

How many of you are hibernating besides me? I went into retreat after the Solstice and planned to get back on track today, but I’m not so sure. I might need a little help from my friends.

I’ve read many “End of 2025” Substacks. While some might view these year-in-review posts as political, they felt more like a reckoning with facts. “With a little help from my friends” was a tagline in this Sunday’s sermon that opened with a heavy truth: “The world is in crisis.” That is a reality that doesn’t vanish just because we avoid the news. Because facts can be disappointing and painful, hibernation becomes incredibly appealing.

This is where you come in, “dear reader.” To keep showing up, I need to hear from you.

As an historical fiction writer, my work requires me to research the “where” and “when” of my stories, cross-referencing sources for accuracy. I cannot afford to be myopic or limit my research to sources I already agree with. (For example, here is an interesting piece that will feature in my next novel).

On a personal level, 2025 was a milestone year. I found Tom Holbrook’s author services and launched my first novel, Ona’s Tears, in November. To promote the book beyond my inner circle, I launched this Substack in August. I’ll admit, I fumbled at first while trying to find my voice. But by reading other creators and engaging with their comments, I discovered four “friends” who have shaped my perspective:

• Stephanie Raffelock: Author of Creative Eldering. The best way to sum up our connection is to say we are “on the same page” and playing in the final quarter of life.

• Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne: A “wise, witty psychologist” whose poetry often mirrors my prose. We are kindred spirits in the healing professions.

• Viktor Kravchuk: My Ukrainian friend. As a Lithuanian-American who has researched her ancestry, I understand deeply why he and his countrymen must never give up their identity or territory.

• Jordan Evans: A young friend I met while volunteering at City Ranch. He is the co-founder of Art Against Ageism.

These four people don’t yet know how they are helping me stay awake until April! They play a vital role in my 2026 journey, but I need your help with my first big choice: how to best use Substack to promote my writing. I see a path forward, but it remains fuzzy without your feedback.

Please look for the comment icon below and help me out. I promise to respond. Let’s make this a discussion—who knows, you might even find a new friend in the process. Are you hibernating and taking time to slow down?

Question: How do you think I should use Substack to promote my writing?

Answering this question will help me complete my Substack home page.