IT’S A DOG’S LIFE

As we head into 2026, I’ve taken a moment to reflect back on the last year. From a writing perspective it’s been fairly quiet, no new releases – although I did attend a writing course, which was fun, and I finished editing The Love Dilemma (due for release in Spring 2026). I’ve also been plotting a few story ideas.

2025 brought a few challenges, but delivered some great moments too. My partner and I added to our family by adopting a rescue dog. We had rescue dogs when I was a child, so it’s something I wanted to come back to at some point in my life. My mum always said that rescue dogs have so much love to give and appreciate being given a loving home, which makes the relationship so much more special.

When I was a teenager, I remember my dad decorating our dining room, and he ran out of wallpaper. Late afternoon on a Saturday, he rushed off to the local market to buy another roll of wallpaper, but he returned an hour later with a dog. He’d seen this dog in a cage at the market and couldn’t leave him. This was the 1980s, so I doubt market stalls would be allowed to offload unwanted dogs in such a way these days (at least, I hope not), but times were different back then. Anyway, Dad arrives home with a sad and frightened little Corgi, who we named Rusty, and he was one of a longline of rescue dogs that frequented our family home over the years.

So, after much procrastination, my partner and I finally decided to take the plunge and in January 2025 we brought home little Poppy, a Shih Tzu X from the RSPCA, who we absolutely adore. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love again at this stage of my life, so it came as rather a shock, I can tell you – some romance author, huh! But we’re absolutely smitten. She’s definitely the boss in our house – we learnt that very quickly, but neither of us mind, she’s too cute to argue with. Who needs a whole bed when you can make do with six inches.

Getting a dog is a huge commitment, and I had imagined a negative impact on my writing time and having to compromise on my daily word count, but funnily enough, it’s been really helpful creatively. I find dog-walking great for working through story ideas in my head and fleshing out plotlines. It’s also great for character ideas – we meet all sorts on our walks – and not just the dogs! From Nigel, the exuberant Spaniel, to Archie the cheeky miniature Dachshund, and not forgetting Rio, who sits down when he’s had enough walking and refuses to budge. So if I’m ever in need of a character for one of my books, I just go for a dog walk and inspiration will hit. I mean, who doesn’t want to read about a Doberman who likes a curry, or a Whippet who does everything at a hundred miles per hour – I know I do!

So, here’s to another year writing (aided by Poppy), and hopefully more books to announce very soon.

Happy New Year!

Tracy

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