Joy, Doubt, and Everything In Between

Spring always makes me think about growth. How roots form beneath the surface, and the patience it takes before anything blooms. How special that bloom feels because it didn’t happen overnight, and then the sheer joy of seeing the fruits of your labor. It’s magic!

May 1 marks one year since Racing Hearts was published, a year since it bloomed.

One year of growth. One year of learning. One year of connection.

I wrote Racing Hearts as a passion project, and while I didn’t know what would come of it, I knew I had a story to tell. When you finally shine a light on a long-hidden dream, there’s no going back. Without my team Racing Hearts wouldn’t have found its way into readers’ hands and hearts. As a debut indie author, I’ve been given a platform to share my work, connect with readers, and be part of conversations that truly matter. Interacting with readers of all ages, genders, and sexualities has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. This past year has been a whirlwind, equal parts exhilarating and intimidating, but it’s one I want to keep repeating.

Later this month, I’ll be reading from Racing Hearts at the Long Beach LGBTQ Center. I’m honored for this opportunity to share my work. What’s even more important is getting to stand alongside my fellow authors in a community that continues to uplift stories like mine. This event is especially meaningful as we get to celebrate the opening of their new library—a space filled with stories for everyone. In a time when book bans and attempts to erase our voices are real spaces like this library matter more every day.

I was recently named as a finalist for the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award in the LGBTQ+ category.

Even writing that still feels surreal, because here’s the truth: my first reaction wasn’t pride. It was doubt. I immediately started thinking that there must not have been many entries, that my book wasn’t “good enough,” and that it didn’t deserve to be there. It’s wild how quickly the mind can undermine something that’s positive. Well, it took me a beat, but I’ve gotten over that, and decided let’s celebrate the nomination!

I AM a 2025 INDIES finalist. I even have the finalist stickers for my books—because yes, I’m proud of the recognition.

Will I win? I don’t know, but being selected already feels like a victory!

Reach out and let me know what magic you have planted.

Sydney