Happy holidays, my dear readers.
This morning I received the “renewal” notice for my blog, and it made me realize how much I’ve let blogging go over the last couple of years. One of my 2025 resolutions will be to reinvigorate my writing here on this platform. It’s a funny thing…when I stepped back from full-time teaching and returned to a part-time role at my university, I did so with the intention of writing more. And while I’ve kept that promise to myself with novel writing, I’ve let blog writing fade.
In my new-found “free time,” I found myself volunteering more and becoming more involved with my church, Bible study, and community. Therefore, the blog writing had to take a back seat.
For a while.
Now, however, as I sit here with a blank calendar for 2025 and pencil in all that I hope to accomplish, I’ve decided to get a little better about scheduling in writing blog posts: I’m gunning for a blog post at least once a week. I enjoy this space where I can just talk about anything I want, whether I share thoughts about writing, books, travel, shopping, fashion, boating, family, or God and all my blessings—whatever is on my mind—it keeps me on my toes and helps me get my thoughts out there.
As I am in the very EARLY stages of formulating my next novel, and as I look back on this year and into the next, I recently had a revelation. In the past, I put my novels into the categories of women’s fiction or historical fiction, but the truth is, my genre is inspirational fiction. This epiphany made me feel particularly blessed to write these types of stories because I believe in the power of words to uplift, heal, and inspire.
During the holidays, a time when many people may feel a mix of joy and stress, my books are written as a source of encouragement that helps others reflect, recharge, and rediscover hope. Whether through my storytelling, affirmations, prayer, or thoughtful insights, I strive to create content that reminds people they are not alone, that they matter, and that brighter days are always ahead. In short, there is always hope.
Writing these types of stories feels especially important to me lately. I’ve realized that writing these types of stories are my way of giving back to the community and a way to share themes of love, forgiveness, tenderness, and friendship.
I’m looking forward to writing my next novel with a real sense of purpose. May the New Year bring us all inspiration, guidance, and a sense of purpose and hope.
Happy holidays!
Love,
Stephanie
About the author:
STEPHANIE VERNI is the author of THE ONES CLOSEST TO YOU, THE LETTERS IN THE BOOKS; FROM HUMBUG TO HUMBLE: THE TRANSFORMATION OF EBENEZER SCROOGE; BENEATH THE MIMOSA TREE; INN SIGNIFICANT; LITTLE MILESTONES; THE POSTCARD; and ANNA IN TUSCANY. She is also a co-author of the textbook, EVENT PLANNING & MANAGEMENT: COMMUNICATING THEORY & PRACTICE. Currently an adjunct professor at Stevenson University Online, she instructs communication courses for undergraduate and graduate students. She and her husband reside in Severna Park, Maryland, have two children, and a little boat that makes them immensely happy.
