Looking ahead

Preparing for the year ahead

“Sometimes, a flame can be utterly extinguished. Sometimes, a flame can shrink and waver, but sometimes a flame refuses to go out. It flares up from the faintest ember to illuminate the darkness, to burn in spite of overwhelming odds.”— Karen Hesse

Dear Friends,

Last night, when I lit the Chanukkah menorah, I did so with a heavy heart.

The news out of Sydney and Providence speaks to the anger and hate that is choking our society and creating more and more violence. If you are feeling scared, I hear you. I am, too.

These days, as I think ahead to the next year, I wish for so many things. I want people to come together—no matter what God they pray to. I want empathy. And listening. I want to hide my phone and have deep conversations with friends. I want people to stop accusing each other. I want to build. And work together.

Hopefully, this is the year.

Hopefully, this violence will be the tipping point. Hopefully, we can stop accepting hatred as part of our society.

Hopefully, we can repair our world and live like Dick Van Dyke, who just turned 100!!!! I want to dance when I’m not writing. Not worry about senseless shootings.

Then, to hear about the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michelle. Friends, this news hit me hard. The man who played Mike Stivic, who went on to direct so many amazing films, was also an advocate for marginalized communities and civil rights. I want to be like Rob, a person who stands up for others.

Here are some things he said:

If you are a creative person, you try to create things that are an extension of yourself.

Everybody talks about wanting to change things and help and fix, but ultimately all you can do is fix yourself. And that’s a lot. Because if you can fix yourself, it has a ripple effect.

You work with every actor differently. It’s like if you’re a mother, if you have children, some children need more discipline. Other children, you back off of a little bit and let them be. It’s the same way with actors. Some actors need a lot of hand holding. Other actors like to be let be, and you let them go.

Reading about his life made me double down on my goals to create that ripple effect. To advocate for peace and truth. To stay politically involved. To not hope that someone else will do what I know is right. 2025 was the year I learned to stick my neck out when ICE came to my neighborhood. In 2026, that will not change.

Goodness is what I love most about the writing community. We put ourselves and our dreams on the page, not because we think we know everything, but because, in a way, we know nothing.

We all remember what it was like to be a kid. So now, for kids, I hope you will join me in doing at least one thing that can strengthen our diverse community. To step up in one way. Whatever is meaningful for you. Our community thrives on goodness. Our future begins with showing young readers that there is hope. And so much to fight for.

Write it down. It can be anything. Something small. Every good act will lead to more good acts. And stronger community. I have found that community purpose doesn’t just help others. It also gives me more fuel for my writing.

So now, let’s turn to our writing goals for 2026 and what we want to do. Let’s take our lists of what we achieved and circle the projects that are most exciting—the ones that need our attention. Let’s channel the light and some hope and ask ourselves what we want to create. For kids. We know they are going to need our words.

When you look at what you did last year, how can you build on these successes? How can you build on what you started? What do you want to try this year?

Are you in the middle of a project? Or have you just pressed SEND and are hoping to start something new?

What is inspiring you right now? What idea is pulling you to your desk? What feels exciting? Or scary? Or daring? What work do you want to put out into the world this year?

Today, don’t worry about being reasonable. Or sensible. Instead, be BOLD. Dream big. Ask: what would delight you? Try and imagine what would make YOU happy.

Are you ready to stretch?

You have your goal. You know what you want to do in 2026. At least, you know the first thing you want to do.

Now make a list of all the things you have to do to support this dream. To get your goal done, what else do you need to do? Do you need to take a class? Do you need to say NO to some responsibilities? Do you need to commit to a word count? Does research come first? How’s that office looking? Do you need to straighten up your space? And why you’re at it, what sounds like FUN????

Today is the day to start realizing this plan. Write down FIVE action items. Envision your dream coming true.

This season, please join me in promoting peace and social justice. Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Remember: success is giving more than you take. Let’s make sure we all feel honored and safe.

Have a great writing week!

xo Sarah