2020. Most people might be celebrating the end of a brutal year, but I prefer to encourage us all to focus upon the bright spots of 2020, no matter how large or small they may be. With that said, I hope you’re motivated to make 2021 the very best it can be.

As many of you know, I became the president of Lancaster Christian Writers group right at the time schools were shutting down across the country. I can’t say that navigating the new responsibilities at a time fraught with racial and political tension was easy, but I’ve lived my life around the premise that every challenge allows us to see just how much God can accomplish in our life.

Take time to count your blessings as we round out the final hours of this year.

There’s a lot of gratitude in the Robinson household right now.Our kids have made the quantum leap to virtual learning successfully and we are all healthy. We have our home. Food. We’ve lost some friends this year but there are others who, though they’ve been sick have recovered.

To the writers among you, I hope you’re ready to achieve unprecedented heights in 2021. Hone your skills. Learn your audience. Grow your marketing reach. And, above all, enjoy the journey.

A few days ago, I sent In the Dead of the Night back for its final round of editing. My emotions were mixed. There was exhilaration at seeing the most powerful fiction writing I’ve ever done take shape. But also nostalgia at bidding farewell to characters that have lived in my mind for the past three years. If there’s one thing I can say, it is that I have enjoyed sharing this journey with you readers. And I look forward to sharing the world of Northshire with you one more time in 2021.

Have a blessed and happy new year.

JP Robinson