Every year is life-changing, but in 2023, mine was epically transformed. Here are some highlights:
Moved into a new home. The plumbing is falling apart and there is a mysterious footprint in the basement but we’ve got room for all current and future books.
Matched with my Little Sister, Skylar, through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas. Sky is my mentee, my friend, an award-winning coder, and the best composer of Would You Rather questions I’ve ever encountered. Some truly inventive and mind-boggling stuff comes out of this kid’s brain. I can’t wait to see what she’ll do next and I’m proud to be part of her life.
Got engaged. Conversations about marriage were not new to us, but the question was no less delightful when it came up during a romantic conversation about—ooh la la—health insurance. Dane got one knee on the un-vacuumed rug, I said hell yes, and we went out shortly after to find secondhand rings at a local jeweler. One of my favorite parts of the evening was jumping on the Zoom call for my book club and telling them I wouldn’t be able to make it… because I was gettin’ hitched! They were the first to know. (Sorry, Mom.)
Adopted a dog. At nine months, Garth is cuddly, extremely social, and smart enough to misbehave on purpose because he knows he stops misbehaving, he gets treats. (We’re working on it.) He is my angel and an absolute rascal.
Got married. We stood on the edge of the Ted Ensley Gardens in the August heat and recited our own vows. Pulled pork sandwiches on sweet potato biscuits were served. Speeches were made. Dog tuxedoes were worn. We were blessed with the presence of friends from Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, Vermont, and even Brussels, Belgium. I spent more time making the dance playlist than I did shopping for a dress, but because of all the love around us, the day had me feeling beautiful, buoyant, and (mostly) relaxed.
Traveled to Atchison, Kansas; Chicago, Illinois; Cancun, Mexico; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Florence and Naples, Italy; Denver, Colorado, and Oxford, Mississippi.
Released my debut novel for adults, The Year of Second Chances. The responses from readers have been invigorating and continue to fill me with gratitude for my craft. It has really only been the past two years that I’ve begun to carve out where my books fit in people’s lives. It was almost as if, in order to share this novel, I felt compelled to live more by its message. I began to understand what my storytelling can and should do: create characters that remind people of their ability to stay open and soft, even as the world hardens around them. (The characters don’t always succeed at this, and neither do I.)
As I work on my next, I only want to get better and reach more people. With that in mind, if you haven’t picked up a copy yet, the hardcover edition is 50% off at Barnes & Noble from 12/26/23 through 1/31/24. Buy it for anyone in your life who needs a good post-holiday cry, or who needs to remember it’s never too late to start over. Your support would mean a lot to me.
Happy New Year and here’s to a healthy, compassionate, and joyful 2024 for all of us!
Lara Avery 