We have almost reached the end of May, and with it, a big anniversary. If you can believe it, I self-published my first book, Blooming, TWO YEARS AGO. How it has already been two years, I couldn’t tell ya!! But today, we are going to take a look back at some highlights these past couple of years. Let’s dive in for a quick recap, then I’ll share how I’m celebrating, and what’s to come next for this author.

If we take it allll the way back to the initial launch of Blooming in May 2023, it’s still pretty surreal for me to think about. My initial book tour had events in Kelowna, Vancouver, and Toronto. We had a ton of press in those early days, too. I got to do my first signing ever at an Indigo location (in Kelowna), which was also a blast. Check out the blog from our initial launch and browse all press coverage here.

The first year was filled with book signings and fun events, primarily in Toronto and Kelowna. I also became an AWARD WINNER at the end of 2023, with Blooming being announced as the Poetry Winner for The Canadian Book Club Awards. In 2024, right on the heels of our one-year anniversary, Blooming was also a Poetry Finalist in the Next Gen Indie Book Awards. 🎉 This recognition has meant SO MUCH. I am beyond awe-struck that Blooming has resonated with so many people. ❤

In her second year of life and love, Blooming has continued to have a bigger impact than I could have ever expected. I started bringing Blooming to markets in the summer throughout the Okanagan, which was really fun! Some events went well and some didn’t, but I thoroughly enjoyed the process of trying different things out. Markets were the highlight this past summer, with readings taking their spot in the fall. I visited multiple local libraries throughout the Okanagan for poetry readings. I also attended some open mic nights to share my poetry on stage – very nerve-wracking, but also super cool!

I hosted many more book signings throughout the second year, too. I’ve been very lucky to partner with Indigo Kelowna – in 2024, we had 7 signings together at their store alone!! Huge shoutout to their team for being so lovely to work with, and so welcoming for local authors. As we moved into 2025, Blooming took a slight backseat while I focused on releasing my second book. However, in my most recent book signing, I SOLD OUT of all copies of Blooming. 🤩 I know Blooming is still having a big impact, and will continue to make her mark on the world!!

Despite now having two book babies, I’ll never forget my first. Here are some fun stats to share with you about Blooming, and my author life, these past two years:

• Hosted 10+ book signings to date
• Took part in 14 markets and local events in the Okanagan
• Shared spoken word poetry at 5+ event venues in the Okanagan
• Attended my first writer’s conference as a published author
• Featured in over 25 media publications including news articles, podcast episodes, and TV interviews
• Stocked copies of Blooming at 4 local spots in the Okanagan for purchase
• Stocked copies of Blooming at 3 Indigo bookstores (and counting!)
• Sold over 300 copies of Blooming
• Made many, many connections with people all across the country!

The amount of connection it has brought my way is still my absolute favourite part. To every single person that I have had the chance to connect with because of Blooming – thank you. It means more to me than you will know. Thank you to everyone who has purchased a copy, said hello to me at an event, liked or shared a social media post, and sent me good vibes. Every interaction is meaningful and creates the life and love of Blooming that you see here! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. ❤

So what’s next?? I am anticipating to host a number of book signings in the coming months, primarily in Toronto. Continuing to bring Blooming along for the ride while NMSC takes the world by storm is a big part of the fun – for me at least! This upcoming weekend, I’ll be hosting a small gathering to celebrate two years of Blooming. We’ll have drinks, appies, and florals aplenty. The past two years have certainly been a wild ride, and Blooming deserves to be celebrated!

Thank you for joining me on the ride of a lifetime. Cheers to you, Blooming – you made me an author, and an award-winning one at that. I’ll never forget the start of our journey, and I can’t wait for what is to come. ❤