by Linda O. Johnston
I hadn’t initially realized it, though I was sent the Writers in Residence calendar by our member Jackie Houchin. But this is the first WinR post of this year!
I get to introduce all of you to Writers in Residence 2026 and what our group is up to. Well, at least what I’m up to. Our other members will have to fill you in during their posts.
Me? Well, unsurprisingly, I’m writing. Even more slowly now, thanks to my broken wrist, but I have stories I’m under contract for and others swirling around in my mind. That’s my usual, and I’m working on them.
Plus, I’m having fun with my dogs—and my husband too. For one thing, we have some travel plans, though the dogs will be spending time with some special sitters rather than coming along. I’ll miss them—but will be having fun since some of the trips will involve other family members too.
Did I make any New Year’s resolutions? Only indirectly involving writing and healing and such—nothing exciting.
But how about you? If you’re a writer, how has your new year started? What writing are you working on or planning? And, writer, reader, or whoever you are, are you planning any trips? If so, using them for research? Yes, I’ll be doing that on my travels. And the first thing in the year is a good time to think about that, including anything besides writing you want to achieve this year.
Are you starting this year in any different manner than in other years? Do you usually plan things, including your writing? If so, do you generally stick to your plans?
Will you have any books published this year? I will, but fewer and later than I most often do.
Will you be reading books? I definitely will, and have some themes in mind to look for. Dogs always work for me, but other topics too, including romance, mystery, and more.
In any case, I hope you all have a wonderful 2026.
The Writers in Residence 
Happy New Year and Happy Writing
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Thanks, Crystal! Same to you!
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I’ve never made a New Year’s Resolution. I just do stuff. I am working on two new books. One is a Christmas detective story. I had been having trouble figuring out how the detective was going to convince some kids and their parents on how they could celebrate the season, but a song gave me the answer. I had to wait until they were playing all those holiday songs on TV this past December before I heard to one that answered my question. The song was The Little Drummer Boy. Now I’ll finish the story. Other than that, I spent time making some miniature scenes to add to my collection of those little vignettes I like to construct. And I read or watch old movies. They are still better than modern TV fare. They have plots and good characters that seem to be missing in current stuff. So Happy New Year everyone.
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A Christmas detective story right after the holidays? They must have inspired you too. Sounds fun–including The Little Drummer Boy. And old movies are definitely fun sometimes, Gayle. Happy New Year!
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Gayle, my mouth was watering there for a minute, about those little scones you were making!! Now I’m curious about the Little Drummer Boy song. The “beat” always got to me after a while. Haha.
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This year will mark the end of my series, A Petal in the Wind, with the publication of the fifth novel. The sense of accomplishment tempers the sadness I feel saying goodbye to these characters who’ve been part of my life for decades (or maybe it’s the other way around).
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It does feel bad sometimes to say goodbye to beloved characters, Miko. But hopefully other characters for a new series are biding their times at the back of your mind, waiting to say hello.
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The only resolution I make each year is to exercise more! I spend so much time writing, that I sit at my desk for far too long each day… I have a deadline to complete my latest Los Angeles Then and Now this year – and I champing at the bit to get back to fiction writing. And I want to travel more this year – explore new places. An exciting year of new adventures this year… Happy New Year!
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Exercising more is always a good resolution for writers, Rosemary, especially if you stick to it! And yes, my desk chair and I are very attached too. Good luck meeting your deadline and also getting lots of fiction writing done, as well as traveling. Happy New Year to you!
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I have several partially-written short stories that I’m resurrecting and WILL publish this year (at least some of them). The late great Ray Bradbury advised writers to pen a short story a week—52 stories can’t all be bad!
I’ll tell you all about my reading life in an upcoming post.
Linda, I hope your wrist heals quickly!
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That’s great, Maggie! I really like your determination. And I’ll be eager to hear about your reading life.
Thanks so much for your good wishes about my wrist!
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A short story a week??? Wow, Maggie. I could maybe do a FLASH FICTION story once a week. Or… a limerick. Haha. I’m writing/posting mini Bible Studies from the Gospels on Mondays through Fridays this year. I have a few good followers too.
And I’ve learned how to post my “Early Morning Walking” photos on Substack, FROM MY PHONE! Whoa, so much easier.
And, if possible, I hope to match the goal of approx. 1,500 miles walking again this year. I’m using 3 “virtual” challenges – the Wales Coast Path (810 miles), the shorter Mississippi River Walk (383 miles) and the Loire Valley in France (250 miles). (plus a new 60-mile shortie). Hope the old knees hold out!
Happy New Year everyone. May your dreams and resolutions come true.
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Sounds as if you’re keeping busy in many ways this year, Jackie–and those ways all sound like good ones! Keep us informed about your progress. And Happy New Year to you!
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