A New Year, a Finished Book, and the Terrifying Joy of Querying

Hello, 2026 and all its magical promise of newness, change for the better and unrealised resolutions!

Am I being too cynical? Perhaps I’ve allowed my dark comedy characters a little too deep into my soul. So, let’s bring some of that positive energy so synonymous with the New Year.

Firstly, 2025 was the year I finished my first proper novel. It was started in 2023 during a Creative Writing short course with Louise Voss at Arts Uni Bournemouth (although she’s no longer teaching it, I still highly recommend the course itself). Fast forward through countless hours of writing, editing and second guessing, we arrive at the finished product of which the synopsis and first three chapters is being sent out to complete strangers whose job it is to judge my work.

Exciting? Terrifying? Yes to both.

How do you balance pride with modesty and self-awareness? While I am proud of finishing my book (my goodness, that took some discipline) and truly believe that it is worthy of being read and enjoyed by the masses, there is still that niggling little voice telling me ‘that’s what all novice writers think, and most of them are probably wrong.’

Is it arrogant or delusional to believe that my book is good enough to be published? Or is it well-founded confidence? I’m not sure I can tell the difference and in the end it all comes down to perception and personal preference. After all, isn’t that the wonder of the written word? That there’s something for everybody. Maybe my book (and future books) will be one of your favourites one day.

Either way, thank you for reading this blog post and I hope you stay with me along this rollercoaster ride where I will continue to document my journey from first draft to publication (positive vibes). Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @tj.oats.writer too.

Thanks for being here!

*AI generated image