Madeline Nixon-2025: The Year of Scheming

By Madeline Nixon, Author

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When Catherine first approached me for a guest spot on the blog, I was, first and foremost, extremely flattered. But I also had no idea what to write about. I got swept up with the holiday season, nearly forgot she even asked while we were fangirling over Marianas Trench, and eventually wound up procrastinating. I didn’t know what to write about. There’s so many things I could write about, I just didn’t know where to land.

And then, it hit me.

It hit me because eight days into the new year, I schemed my way into four new projects.

The good news is that this is a fabulous thing for you, dear reader. I will have a wealth of writing to share by the end of this year (hopefully). However, I think I may have girlbossed my way too close to the sun.

One thing about me is that I thrive under pressure. I love a deadline. When the pandemic hit and I tried my hand at NaNoWriMo for the first time, I finished a manuscript I’d been working on for two-and-a-half years. And now, five years later (somehow. How did we get here??), I’ve come to the realization that I am a hummingbird and if I slow down, I will die.

I also can’t say no to a good idea.

We may be at the very very beginning of 2025, but I’m declaring it my year of scheming. It’s my year of making all the plans and doing all the things I want. Maybe I’m turning 30 and feeling some kind of way about that. Maybe that’s why it’s my year of moves. Or maybe the planets have aligned and it’s my time to shine.

The tarot reading I do at the start of every year was mainly focused on me having to trust my intuition. So I’m going where my gut leads me and, right now, it’s telling me to say yes to the projects that light me up. Even if that means four on the go in January.

I came into this year with BIG plans. I’m part of a Valentine’s Day anthology, Heart’s Lock, Love’s Key, publishing the first week of February (all the stories are fabulous and proceeds are going to charity so I HIGHLY recommend the read). I also have plans to publish a witchy Christmas novella with small town, friends to lovers vibes, and my second collection of ghost stories this year. That’s already three publications outside of whatever I decide to write over the next twelve months (one of which will be the third Like A Love Song book).

That should be enough, right? Normally, it would be. But for reasons unknown, 2025 is the year of scheming. I have plans on top of my plans now.

I’m not mad about it.

I’m actually so psyched for this year. I have to be. There’s enough bullshit going on outside of my happy little writing space that I’m choosing to be psyched for all the idea blips I’ve had recently. My Notes App is blowing up. I have so many things I want to share, but won’t until the time is right. Just know, I’m here in the background writing, working, brainstorming, and building so many stories for you.

I cannot wait to see how things take shape in 2025. I’m optimistic. I’m itching to hit the keyboard and get these stories out of my brain. But most of all, I’m proud of myself for going for it.

If you’re looking for a sign to do what your heart desires this year, this is it. It’s the year of scheming.

Are you with me?