Happy New Year and a Journey of Gratitude, Growth, and Magic!
- Michaela Riley
- Dec 27, 2025
- 2 min read
Happy New Year and a Journey of Gratitude, Growth, and Magic!
The calendar may have flipped to a new year, but the magic of 2025 lingers in my heart. What an incredible year it’s been as an author! I’m deeply humbled and grateful for each of you—readers, supporters, and fellow book lovers—who have walked alongside me on this journey. Your passion for stories and your belief in the power of words mean the world to me.
A Year of Recognition and Joy
I’m thrilled to share that my book Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I has been honored with 8 awards, and it’s currently shortlisted for the prestigious Chaucer Award. The entire series is also on the longlist for the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs). These accolades are a testament to the love poured into this tale of shadows, sorcery, and rebirth—and they wouldn’t exist without your support.
What’s Next? A Peek into 2026
As we step into the New Year, the story continues to unfold. Here’s a sneak preview of what’s on the horizon:
✨ Upcoming Books in 2026
The Critic’s Requiem
Not My Mother’s Keeper
More details about these projects will drop in the coming weeks—stay tuned!
🔮 New Series: Guardians of the Veil
My love of crafting magical worlds will continue with a new series, Guardians of the Veil, which will follow the fates of Merona and Murdach. If you’ve followed their journey, you won’t want to miss where their paths lead next!
Connecting with Readers (In Person!)
Book events are always a highlight, and I’m excited to share some dates to mark on your calendars:
Fae Ball Events: Myths & Legends
📍 Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS
📅 May 30, 2026
Join me for a celebration of stories, folklore, and magic!
NYC Big Book Award & Independent Press Awards
📍 New Jersey
📅 April 25, 2026
I’ll be attending the red-carpet ceremony, and I can’t wait to celebrate the literary community in person.
Additional events are in the works—watch this space for more announcements as they’re confirmed!
Gratitude and New Year Wishes
As the year turns, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to share this journey with you. Writing is a privilege, and your continued support fuels my creativity. Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep weaving tales of fantasy, resilience, and wonder.
To you and your loved ones, I wish a New Year filled with health, happiness, and moments that spark joy. Let’s make 2026 a year to remember!
With gratitude and magic,
Michaela Riley
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to stories, dreams, and the pages yet to come! 📚✨