The way I keep mistaking 2025 for 2024! Like, as I was writing this blog, I kept saying “2025 wrap-up” or “2025 year in review.” That should indicate how much I want to get out of 2024—and fast—lol. I hope that doesn’t give the impression that I hated this year, though. It was a mixed bag for me. I had a love/hate relationship with 2024, and we’re going to get into why.
If there’s one thing that happened to me this year, and that was undeniable, it’s that I went through a major metamorphosis. On the career front, with my sights set on celebrating my 10th year in self-publishing in July 2025, I can confidently say that 2024 me is nothing like 2015 me.
So much has changed, so many awakenings have occured. I have a gift with the written word, so we’re about to get all these thoughts lol. But first, let’s start with the highlights of 2024.
Stories Published
This year I published six stories. Four of those stories (I forgot to include Ayanna and Dallas’ story With Love, Ayanna and Dallas!) were released exclusively on my website, and two were published on Amazon. Those stories were:
- Living Out a Love Song
- One Mic
- Wrath
- Sloth
- With Love, Ayanna & Dallas
- Second Serving
This year, I needed to take a new approach. Note, I didn’t say “I wanted to” because, yes, though I wanted to, it became a need for me. Things had really gotten out of hand with understanding Amazon’s KDP numbers, and releasing my books on my own platform was the solution! Though I will always speak blessings on my self-publishing journey that began on Amazon, this year, I put the battery in my back and powered up to truly believe in myself—and to act like it. Hence, my decision to release more stories on my own and fewer with the help of Amazon.
I noticed a few things doing this: how much I appreciate seeing the metrics that record the units sold and how much I loved learning which methods worked (and which didn’t) to get my stories in front of readers who want to read them. Because y’all are out there and I see you!
Out of all the stories published, Wrath and Second Serving were my readers’ favorites. I loved all the stories—every last one. That’s it. That’s the line, lol. So whatever you loved more, I did too!
I Started a Premium Newsletter
After an entire year of contemplation, I took the plunge and started my own premium newsletter. The lack of information on how to do what I wanted to do was… interesting (read: slightly unmotivating). I searched high, low, and in between, looking for ways to offer exclusive content to paid subscribers, and couldn’t find anything. So I went into this journey blindfolded in the dark with no walls to hold me up or guide me. Close your eyes and really imagine that. Scary, right? It was. And I’m glad I was brave enough to be prepared to be bad at it.
This was something I’ve wanted to do. And I got the push from the same platform that ignited my love of writing serialized romances—Kindle Vella. While I didn’t want or even plan to end my relationship with Kindle Vella (they have since announced they are closing the platform completely) I’m grateful with my time writing the episodes I originally published on Kindle Vella. It helped me find a love I never knew was there in serialized romances, and now serialized stories is one of the pillars in my premium newsletter.
Brookelynite Daily is something I fully intend to grow beyond my wildest dreams. My goal is to create not only stories but also experiences with these characters who are real in my eyes. My premium newsletter has allowed me to create that and offer an extension to my stories. It’s been a beautiful journey, and I look forward to improving it in the new year and beyond.
In addition to the stories published on my website (bybrookelynmosley.com) and on Amazon’s platform, I “published” two serialized romances exclusively for my Brookelynite Subscribers: From Friends to Forever and When Love Just Happens (a spinoff serialized romance to The Energy Series, which includes stories like When Luke Met Juliette and When Life Gives You Sunsets).
Lessons Learned
Turning my focus inward, releasing stories on my platform, and creating and managing my premium newsletter taught me a lot. These lessons included time management, positive self-talk, and execution.
Time management has always been a dance I’ve struggled with. Time and I didn’t mix well. Add in two children and a marriage, and suddenly time becomes a stranger. But this year, I got acquainted. I shifted my mindset from a work-life balance approach to work-life harmony. I also told myself: when I’m working, I’m working; when I’m not, I’m not. Work hard, rest harder. This thinking helped me a lot this year, especially when the outside world wasn’t looking like itself.
This year, I also took control and accountability for the words I spoke to myself. Speaking life into myself was necessary in my writing life and my life away from my desk. When I faced harmful narratives that tried to dictate how I should feel about myself and my circumstances, positive self-talk reminded me who is in control. This was one of the lessons I’m carrying with me into 2025 and beyond. It has nourished my mind and deepened my spiritual journey.
Unlike any other year, I spent as much time executing as I did planning. Planning has always been a staple for me. I love it—sitting with my planner and stickers, listing tasks to make my life seem doable. This year, I ensured I followed through and made fewer excuses. I built a new muscle within me, and I look forward to bringing that into 2025. On that note…
Things I’m Taking With Me into 2025 and Leaving in 2024
I’m taking my improved time management skills, story planning/outlining, designing, and positive self-talk into 2025. I’m leaving behind self-doubt, limited thinking, and a folder of completed manuscripts. We bringing them book babies to life next year!
The Future of Brookelyn Mosley
The future looks super bright. I’m in the midst of a rebrand that’s not really a rebrand—it’s clarity. I finally know what my brand of writing is, and I’m ready to share it with the world! A new town is budding: Greene Gardens. I’m going to bring you along as this village is built and we meet the residents and business owners who live, love, and thrive there. Greene Gardens is a direct reflection of the Love is Cure, Vol. 1 – Vices and Virtues series, which I completed this year! Whewww!! Expect to see A LOT of familiar faces from that universe and other characters from my book world. You see the name on the village’s doodle, right? Checking in on Ayla and Hassani is on the docket and I can’t wait for you to see what they’ve been up to 🥰.
I plan to continue growing my premium newsletter. I’ve added vlogs as a perk to the Brookelynite Daily subscription and plan to grow that while adding even more perks.
This year was challenging in many areas but wonderful in others. Spiritually and mentally, I’m coming out a winner. Improving my peace of mind and inner strength was a centerpiece of 2024, aiding in the metamorphosis I mentioned earlier. I’m a whole new person, someone I truly love, and I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for me. I’m so optimistic about the new year that I’m already there. It better be good to me, and it better LOVE (not hate) to see me coming!
What was 2024 like for you? What were your highlights and lessons learned?