By Desirae Gracyn | Written: February 13th, 2026. Ongoing Updates Until End of March

In January, things start to look up. My mental health is doing way better. I’ve gotten a lot of things off my plate. I feel organized again. And a lot of positive things have been happening.

In January, I started applying to jobs much more intensely. I was ready to go back into the workforce. And I wanted a hospital position. I had several in-person interviews, 2nd interviews, walk-throughs, and promising possibilities. Well, in mid-January, my dream hospital, in my dream department, offered me a job. I am so thrilled. Nervous, but thrilled. I start mid February!

At the very end of February, I finally tried to write a new story. Before this, I had been feeling like I had nothing left in me. I didn’t think I could write anything new. But then… There was this anthology that had a pretty cover on it. I wanted to be in that anthology. So… I wrote, edited, sent to beta readers, and submitted all within five hours. I’m happy to say it was accepted and well-liked. My energy had been restored. I no longer felt like a failure. Since then, I have written another short story, two drabbles, and three microfiction pieces. So far, one drabble has been accepted.

I’m so thrilled to announce that I’ve finally joined the bandwagon and am in the process of getting character art for all my books!

One of the things I regret (well, not regret, but learned) from publishing my first book is that character art would’ve probably helped. When I first started the process toward publishing my own book, character art was a thing, but not as huge as it is now. By the time my debut novel came out, my bank account was wiped. I had no chance of getting character art. So, I’ve been twiddling my thumbs and praying that soon I’d get the opportunity. In mid January, with that lovely tax return, I more than got the opportunity. Now, I’m working with three incredible artists. Every one of my books will have artwork. I can’t even begin to express just how happy this makes me. And I’m so thankful for the people who have introduced me to these artists. I wouldn’t have found Nebraska if it weren’t for Mickey. I wouldn’t have discovered Isabelle if it weren’t for Demi. And I wouldn’t have discovered Artorias if it weren’t for the Hive (a Facebook group). I am blessed to be working with these talented artists. If you’re looking for anyone, check out my artists tab, which will detail their information and things about them.

I'm finally back into writing!

Pieces Sent:

During January

1. Flash Fiction Romance Piece

During February

1. Flash Fiction Mystery Piece

2. Drabble Mystery

3. Drabble Romance

4. Three Micro Fiction Mystery/Adventure Pieces

5. Fairy Retelling Short Story

6. New Adult Paranormal Romance

7. Three Poems (They were rejected. But I tried and that's all that matters)

During March

In regard to acceptances:

During January

No acceptances yet.

During February

1. KissMet Quarterly accepted my flash fiction piece, “Bluebonnet Luck,” a romance story for publication in their spring anthology called, Tiptoe Through the Tulipes. This story is what got me back into writing. :) I’ll be posting the summary here once the book releases.

2. Micromance Magazine accepted my first-ever drabble, “Cheesecake Valentine,” a romance story for publication. I’ll be posting the summary here once it releases.

3. Can't announce.

4. Can't announce.

During March

In regard to publications: 

During January

“Falling Like Snowflakes,” under Desirae Gracyn was published in KissMet Quarterly I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm anthology. If you’d like to read more about the story, click here.

During February

“Cheesecake Valentine,” under Desirae Gracyn was published in Micromance Magazine. If you’d like to read more about the story, click here. Want to read it for free? Click here.

During March

Something to share soon! :)

Since the last week of September I haven't returned to the gym. I hope to return soon.

As of February 13th, I'm still on the whole 30.

Thank you, everyone, as always, for reading my blog and learning more about me.