Literary Resolutions in 2025

 

What are your Literary Resolutions for 2025…as a Writer, as a Reader?

 

Ah, January, the month of intentions where we promise to become our best version of ourselves. We vow to eat better, exercise more, and be kinder and gentler to ourselves and to those around us. Writers are word nerds, so we promise to write more, read more, and be more active in the community. That all said, I’ve been made aware that most resolutions die a quiet death by the second Friday of January. There’s a name for it, and it is called Quitter’s Day.

 

I’m better than that, and I say that without a maniacal cackle, tying someone down to railroad tracks, or with a twirl of the mustache I do not possess.

 

Truth be told, I’m burnt out. I set aside my own writing and read over a 100 books in 2024. I had felt the need to get a whiff of contemporary literature since I often feel as if I write Grandpa’s noir. As expected the adventure was a mixed bag of Highs and Lows. I grew tired of seeing the same thing from Big Five Publishers, with some variations on a theme, hashed and rehashed like roadkill. In a word, whatever they think will sell. Therefore and henceforth, I’ve decided to dial back on my reading carbs for 2025.

 

Then the Election happened.

 

I seldom discuss politics because I adhere to the old chestnut that one does not discuss politics, religion, or sex, but…seriously? I watched and listened to a majority of people express their concerns, yet somebody voted a felon and a cadre of grifters into office. Sorry, it’s objective evidence and not subjective opinion. This nation has had less than stellar characters sit in the chair. I get that, and I accept that. Lincoln suspended habeas corpus twice and ordered the largest mass execution in US history—and he is considered one of our best. One of our presidents was a hangman, and I haven’t entered the modern era. As John Oliver says, ‘And now this.’

 

I indulge in this rare tangent for one simple reason. When overwhelmed and depression tempts me, I throw myself into work. I’ve written over 200,000 words since the November election, and that’s not including the sixth Shane Cleary mystery that I am writing at the moment. The idea for the novel came to me, so I sat down and attacked the keyboard.

 

In addition to Shane, I am at the grill, flipping and cooking three novels at the same time (part of the 200K body count), and I’ve sketched out a Weekday Mystery cozy mystery series that I’ve been ruminating on for years. While the world seems on the verge of collective whatever, I decided I won’t be the cow chewing the cud in the meadow. I can’t control the show, but the best way I choose to react to it is to work.

 

That said, my other resolution is to explore the narrative of crime and mysteries through the lens of foreign films and series on Netflix. Subtitles have never bothered me, since I use them all the time for shows, movies, and other binges in English because I am hard of hearing. There’s an embarrassment of riches on Netflix. Here is a shortlist.

 

French

Black Butterflies

Code Name: Emperor

Criminal French

Gone for Good

 

 

German

Criminal Germany

Dear Child

Dogs of Berlin

Murder Mindfully

 

Italian

Adagio

Baby

Lidia Poët

On My Skin

 

Portuguese

Glória

 

 

Spanish

Costa del Sol

Criminal Spain

Emilia Pérez

Gangs of Galicia

Money Heist

 

When in doubt, Murder, She Wrote with Angela Lansbury is as good as a virtual hug.