I’ve been thinking for weeks about what to put in this annual review, and frankly, I can’t believe I’m even writing this post. Yes, it’s been a horrible year for the whole world, and American democracy is in real peril. And for Betty White to leave us on the last day when Rupert Murdoch and Henry Kissinger were right there!
But there was good as well. I’m still here, and though a few of my loved ones caught covid this year, they were vaccinated and got through it without too much adversity. As with last year, I combed through my personal and professional memories and easily came up with 10 highlights. Here they are, in no particular order:

- The New Year got off to a scary start in Washington, DC but January 20th brought us a new president. Yes, it also brought out the ugliest of the deplorables but at least they aren’t in charge. I’m still optimistic that America will become a better place — else we’ll be packing up to move again.
- What a fantastic year for GCLS! A successful virtual conference, a new salaried manager, and a definitive, wholehearted welcome to a diverse and inclusive sapphic and nonbinary community.
- This year, Bella Books launched its virtual reading series, the Authors Corner. Each month, authors with new books share a scene and take your questions. Check us out at the Bella Books Channel on YouTube.
- After spending much of 2020 at home, we got vaccinated (!!!!!) and had a chance to visit family. First up was my youngest niece’s baby shower last May in NC, followed by a week-long trip to the beach with most of my family, including Baby Eloise, who was so much fun. Then in August, I traveled to California to meet Baby Tiwa. Pure joy! After getting our booster vaccine in the fall, we headed west again for Thanksgiving with Katherine Forrest and her wife Jo, and other friends. Plus another jaunt up to San Jose to see Tiwa again.
- I’m so grateful for our book community, a friendly, supportive refuge in a sometimes troubled world. Thank you to those who continue to support my charities and causes. Your generosity inspires me.
- I wrote three short stories in 2021, inspired by the human struggles of the pandemic. Remember those folks who were stuck on a cruise ship for weeks, unable to make port? I imagined how Ashley and Julia from Rhapsody would handle that. It’s called “Ship of Fools.” And what about the nursing home tragedies? Beth from Sumter Point is now the administrator of a nursing home and she’s finding that it’s “A Thankless Job.” You can find those at Bella Books, along with the book In This Together, a collection of covid stories from multiple Bella authors that includes a check-in with one of my favorite couples, Marty and Lou from Mulligan.
- Speaking of Katherine Forrest … I got to read an early draft of her upcoming book, Delafield. OMG!! Fans of Detective Kate are in for an enormous treat.
- Meanwhile, Katherine’s returning the favor. She’s currently editing my upcoming book, Bringing Me Dreams. That one comes out in August, but Bella promises to have copies on hand at the GCLS conference in Albuquerque. I hope to be there to sign them.
- Oh, and there was another book … the 5th book in the Shaken Series! Words Unsaid picked up ten years after the events of Mother Load. It was great fun to revisit the Kaklis family, and I deeply appreciate all of your kind words and rave reviews. A special shout-out to the Women With Pride book club in Dallas for hosting me to talk about it.
- I think the ultimate highlight of the year has to be that Jenny & I have our health. We’ve successfully dodged covid for another year, and neither of us has had to deal with a health calamity. We continue to enjoy spending time together in our Nashville home with our sweet cats Rozzie and Agnes. (Btw, thank you for indulging my endless Facebook photos of cats doing cat things.)
That’s it for 2021. I’ve just begun another book, which will keep me busy in 2022. Well, that and cataract surgery. I thank everyone who read to the bottom of this post, and if you’ll reply with a comment or email me through the contact page, I’ll enter you in a drawing for an autographed book. *wink*
Now go and have the very best year of your life!
You are the one who got me reading lesbian romances had no clue they were out there, yes I was behind. I read the Shaken series once a year and when the 5th came out I bought it the same day. Thanks for all your stores and Happy 2022!
I loved that you wrote another book about the Kaklis family and it didn’t disappoint! Here’s to a great 2022!
Happy New Year! May 2022 bring continued good health, happiness and travel.
Best to you and Jenny in 2022. Looking forward to seeing you in July.
Loved that you find so much that is positive in the world (almost hate to use the word “positive” anymore)! Your health and loving relationship is indeed everything ❣️
You wrapped up the year well. Here’s hoping 2022 is hopeful and peaceful. I’m listening to jazz from my parents generation tonight. From the 30s & 40s..giving me a sense of connection to them and a little optimism for our upcoming year. Love reading both your books and posts! Happy New Year to you and Jenny!
I would expect no fewer Facebook posts of Rozzie and Agnes! Their contribution to your laughs, four letter words, grey hairs and lowered blood pressures cannot be measured. Very much looking forward to Bringing Me Dreams.
As a cat lover myself, I enjoy your cat pics and videos. Keep them coming. So glad to hear neither of you caught covid, stay safe and healthy. I thought after the horrible 4 years of Trump we would be rid of him after we voted him out. I didn’t foresee that his big lie would threaten our very Democracy. I am so anxious that the Senate pass the John Lewis Voting Bill by doing it without the filibuster. Same with the BBB bill. The only refuge from my anxiety is reading. Thank you for sharing your gift to write with us. You are a treasure.
Obviously the health part for you and Jenny is the best news, but a new book coming out makes me a happy camper. You know how I felt about Words Unsaid, and now I’m in withdrawal.Your cat post are freakin’ hysterical! Hope to see you in February.
Great list. May 2022 continue with good health for both of you.
Bonne année 2022. I wish you good health so you continue writing stories that are loved by so many.
I enjoy the pictures of your fur babies and their antics. May you all have a healthy and happy new year.
Happy New Year to you and Jenny! Words Unsaid was one of my highlights. May 2022 bring you good health and recovery.
I always enjoy your end of year top 10. I love your cat post….and oh yeah I LOVE your books.😜 Happy New Year to you both❗
Good wrap up of an interesting year!! So happy to join the community. Bella and GCLS have been very welcoming as have my readers!
Here’s hoping the staying healthy streak continues for you and Jenny. 2022 will have its ups and downs but we’ll journey through it together. Happy New year!
Aw, great wrap-up!! Aren’t the littles awesome?! Love the cat pics.
Enjoy reading anything you write KG. Happy New Year to you, Jenny and the fur kids!
Having caught COVID in early December, I can soundly agree that having your health is the best. Love your writing and can’t wait to see you in New Mexico!
I always look forward to your annual wrap-up! Hoping the best for you in ’22.