Celebrating and Moving Ahead
Wishes for the new year, and gratitude for the year that was.
Hello and Happy New Year!
Before we get too far into 2025, I want to share some wishes for the road ahead – as well as take a moment to celebrate three milestones from 2024.
First, the milestones.
Over the past year, three pieces of my writing were accepted by different publications. I’m thrilled with how these projects turned out; more importantly, I’m grateful for the connection and collaboration - with other writers, editors, and my fellow Substack writers - that allowed these projects to find homes.
1.
In September, Short Reads published my flash nonfiction piece, “Wet Grass, Thornbush, You.” This was my nonfiction writing debut, and the first time I’ve written from the heart like this about my late brother.
It was a pleasure to collaborate with Editor Hattie Fletcher and team, after previously trying and failing at Short Reads with a different piece of my writing: a case of initial rejection leading to acceptance and collaboration!
Dear Universe - more of that in 2025, please.
2.
In March, I wrote an article about discovering your creative identity for the Lord of the Rings themed publication, Jokien with Tolkien. Additionally, I also created the twelve collage-style digital art pieces accompanying each LoTR character’s section.
Thank you, Josh (aka JRR Jokien) for the opportunity to throw my axe in the ring!
3.
In the humor department, I contributed my fourth (and dare I say, best?) article to the medieval satire publication Ye Olde Tyme News, about a moat inspector who discovers that his client has one hell of a crocodile infestation.
Technically, this piece ran in December 2023, not 2024. But I still want to celebrate this article, and more importantly, the fun I’ve had collaborating with
the past two years – especially since Ye Olde Tyme News began a well-deserved sabbatical in early 2024, putting our creative collborations on momentary hold.Now, on to my wishes for 2025.
These wishes are for anyone out there seeking to grow more authentic, creative, and curious in the year ahead… including myself :)
In 2025…
May you be supported in all aspects of your creative journey.
May you be encouraged in moments of doubt, and steadied in moments of exhilaration.
May you be lucky enough to discover and follow your muse.
May you feel the harmonious thrum of the living creative force within you – the same force that breaks sunflowers through warm soil.
May you trust the quiet spaces in your day. May you trust that silence is not the same thing as emptiness. May you remember that your life and your love and your spirit are growing always, at all hours, even when you feel stuck.
May you remember that life is perpetually spiraling forward. May you remember that you cannot step in the same river twice. May this knowledge encourage and empower you to revisit projects you once thought hopeless, seeing them with new blessed vision.
Best wishes to you, as always.
Rian Casey Cork
PS - Very soon in 2025, I will be rebranding this publication. This change will reflect the new focus and new direction I have planned for my Substack.
If you are already subscribed, nothing will change and no action will be required - you will still receive emails from “Rian Casey Cork” in your inbox. My publication will simply have a new name, new look, and increased frequency to 1x/week!
Can’t wait to share more soon. I firmly agree with fellow Substack writer , who just shared an excellent piece about blogging’s importance in the year to come. In my own humble way, I hope to answer Erik’s call: “It’s time for bloggers to step up.”
Peace!
His Majesty congratulates thee on a successful 1024. May the Year of Our King 1025 bring thee many riches!