The Resolution Will Not Be Televised

 

Happy New Year! In the past I have asked the other SleuthSayers for resolutions or generously made some up for other people, but this time I decided to invite my fellow members of the Short Mystery Fiction Society to share their solemn oaths for 2026, which I am sure will be an unbearably spiffy year. Right?  Anyway, here goes: 

"Here’s my two. They are pretty much the same every year. First is to value showing up. And that means to care less about getting it right than showing up, at my desk, to my work, and for my peeps. Second is to recognize and be grateful for the ways others show up for me, to take it to heart, and enjoy it." - Karen Odden

"I am planning to resolve to read more short stories and submit one flash per week, and one longer story a quarter…this time, to help me I hope to join someone’s course." - Joan Leotta

"More rejections! I didn't do a good job this year of keeping my stories in front of editors.  But for 2026, I vow to submit until it feels lie high school prom season, 1987! My motto? 'If I'm not crying, I'm not trying."  Chris L. Robonson

 "I don't have a resolution for 2026. But this is a story of success. Back at the end of 1992, when I had just turned 35yo, I was frustrated with the whole idea. It's too much pressure to make unrealistic promises to yourself and the community. So my resolution for 1993 was this: 'I am tired of setting myself up for failure and heartache. Therefore, for 1993, I resolve to never make New Year's resolutions again!' Guess what? THAT one I have kept for 33 years. And counting." - Linda Kay Hardie 

"My resolution: reach for a book every time I have a knee-jerk impulse to reach for my phone.  I'm always happier if I go for the book." - Joseph S. Walker

"I will stop going down rabbit roles in the name of research unless I have first spent hours wandering about in the weeds."  - Judy Penz Sheluk

 "My resolution is to keep better track of prompts and submission closing dates so I don’t waste time rooting around for them and/ or missing sub dates." - Joan Leotta

 "My resolution is to write—or edit what I have already written—every day. That's it." - Yoshinori Todo

"I hope to start focusing on writing more in 2026.  I would like to complete a story or two and send them off by the end of the year - or at least get them to MWA's Mentor Program.  I really value that service but haven't participated in a while." - Robert Daniher

"My resolution is that I will not find out where all the people who don't like my writing live and go to their homes and sing "Never Gonna Give You Up" outside their window all night long." - A.L. Sirois

"I resolve to ignore the fact that I pay for a gym membership I don’t use. And, to use the time to finish the next novel and submit at least one short story somewhere. I love my short form Mondays on Substack but that doesn’t cover the YMCA expense." - D.J. Lutz

 "I resolve to create new adventures for my favorite characters." - Paula Messina

"Next year, I hope to pull together some of my similar stories into short collections. One for sure (if it happens) will be ghostly mysteries since I realized I have quite a few of them. I think that by writing anything I darn well please, I’m missing a niche audience, and I know that’s important. In general, more supernatural elements are creeping into my stories and I want to pursue that." - Bobbi Chukran

 "My resolution is to propose to my girlfriend when we go on the big trip we're planning. Don't tell her I said that though..." - Stephen M. Pierce

"I resolve to quit buying voodoo dolls to use on editors who displease me, and instead be more frugal and repurpose already used dolls." - Dave Zeltserman

"I will finish cleaning up a book of my favorite stories and throw it in front of an editor.  Also, be neater when discarding my tea leaves." - Robert Lopresti

 "I'm going to do my best, in 2026, to not buy a single book from Amazon. We're lucky enough to have a great independent bookstore in my town (shoutout to Morgenstern Books!), and I figure if I want to keep having a great independent bookstore, I should give them as much of my business as possible.  It might take a little longer and cost a little more, but Bezos is getting more than enough of my money already, and I've got plenty of stuff to read while I wait.  Last time I was in I had them order me a copy of the new Best Private Eye Stories of the Year.  Can't hurt to get products from small publishers like Level Best on their radar." - Joseph S. Walker

"I just decided to try and walk on my walking pad (that I haven’t used in years) while I write. I’m doing it right now and haven’t fallen off yet. I guess if I wind up in traction, I will have more writing time! So, maybe commit to some time every day?" - Cindy Goyette 

"I resolve to not make any New Year's resolutions because I always break them. I plan to keep writing when I should be focusing on chores, when I should be walking on the treadmill, when I should be preparing a sensible meal. If I followed a resolution to change my dastardly ways, I wouldn't be writing as much as I want.  Thus, a happy New Year for me, no habit changing creeds, and I hope the same for many others!" - Wil A.

"Spend far less time on social media. More time reading books and short stories. Make time to work on my own writing. Wear pants." - Kevin R. Tipple

 

 

Recap

    I want to join the parade of those who've put out a Year in Review. 

    As with the rest of the community, I lament the shrinking of the short story market. The articles I read speak about the expanded opportunities for shorts. My inbox tells me about contraction. Honestly, I'm not sure where we stand. A flurry of emails marked the last third of the year. Down and Out folded, the first one said. The anthology we'd planned won't be published. We've found a new home, a later message reported. Your story will appear. But expect delays in publication. There has been a pro wrestling quality to this year. The hero looks beaten and down on the mat. He struggles to get his snakeskin boots back under him. Will he get up? I don't know. 

    We're left with uncertainty about the state of publishing for the year to come. That is unfortunate. No one like existential ambiguity. 

    And I'm sorry that a pall hangs over our publishing scene. It clouds what might well be my most exciting writing year ever. 

    In April, Severn River Publishing released my debut novel, The Devil's Kitchen. The second book in the series, The Hidden River, followed in October. Getting a novel into print had been a long sought-after goal. I'm thrilled that the dream came to fruition. 

    Eight new short stories found homes this year in magazines and anthologies, along with one reprint. I better enjoy the moment. My submissions declined in 2025, so my short story numbers may dip in the coming years. 

    One story, "The Kratz Gambit," got short-listed for a Derringer and then subsequently included in The Best Private Eye Stories of the Year. 

    My traveling companion and I ventured out more. Many of the mystery conferences offer a spotlight moment for debut authors. We took advantage of the opportunities. Besides promotion, the conferences offered collateral benefits. I finally had the chance to meet Rob Lopresti and others in person. I appreciate the chance to shake hands with folks who have been helpful to me along my writing journey. I count those meetings among my year's highlights. 

Despite the difficulties, the community of writers was a great source of support. In particular, thanks to Michael and Josh. You weathered the crises when your anthologies suddenly died. You found new homes and brought them back to life. Thank you for your efforts. 

    I appreciate the wider circle of writers as well. Thank you for inviting me to guest blog when I was seeking to promote my books. I appreciate your emails of congratulations and encouragement during the year's high points. Thank you for attending the conference panels and taking the time to say hello. As president of the local Sisters in Crime chapter, I'm grateful for your willingness to volunteer your time and speak at our meetings. Thanks for promptly and graciously answering your emails. 

    And to you writers and your kick-ass stories, thanks for inspiring me to do better. 

    It was an uncertain year. Your support proved to be constant. Please know that I appreciate it. 

    Until next year.