Creativity and Reflections for 2026

We’re half way through February already and I’ve neglected the blog since the new year began. I don’t make resolutions but I have enjoyed using this dreich winter weather as an excuse to organise various things in the home, study, and writing files, in between general appointments.

It has also been a good time for reflection, for reading new and sometimes completely different types of books and for trying to decide exactly what direction I wish to take my writing. As always, I have a few projects to be completed and a couple of new ideas to begin putting into order, especially with non-fiction for a change.

The writing and publishing world is constantly changing, not least with the challenges and problems that AI can cause creatives – it’s something I will not be using at all. Then there is the fact that so many books are published these days it’s difficult to keep up at times. I have a pile of books to read and more on my wish list (in print and kindle).

However, writing is a creative activity and I can’t imagine not putting pen to paper for fiction, poetry, non-fiction, or for a blog post or journal entry, whether or not those words always reach an audience. I’ve been fortunate to have a wide range of books, articles, short stories and poetry published over the years and now I enjoy writing more for its own sake without pressure or expectation.

At this stage in our lives, husband and I also like to spend time together while we can, for coffee, walks and short holidays, and I appreciate every one of my close friends with whom I enjoy meeting for lunch now and then. Family get togethers are also precious as we all age and various health issues start appearing in one form or another.

Creativity is a joy and privilege, especially when our words resonate with readers, while receiving positive comments encourages a writer to keep going when doubts or apathy set in. As long as inspiration and ideas keep flowing, and the mind still functions well enough, writing has no end date. In fact, any kind of creativity and learning should hopefully be good for the brain!

Meanwhile, here are a few of the writing projects that might be completed or published this year:

• A full-length relationship novel set in 1999

• A novella set in Vienna

• A non-fiction historical book about women and patriarchy

• Non-fiction essays about literature

• A novella set at the Frost Fair in 1814

• Various short stories, articles and poetry

• Decisions about my published children’s stories

• Blog posts and social media interaction

Several are nearing completion and the novel is going through one final reading. All they require now is my time and concentration!

Watch this space…

Rosemary