It’s been quite a while since you’ve heard from me. My apologies! 2025 came out the gate with a bit of a bang, and not always in the ways I would have wanted. Isn’t it almost always the way; you make plans and Life steps in and says, “nope”.
I don’t mind so much. I saw a post on Instagram the other day reminding me to Trust the Process, and had a wee smile and nod to myself. I might not be where I thought I’d be, but I trust that I am where I’m meant to be.
Regardless of setbacks, I have been beavering away at a few things in my online absence, and there has been some really good stuff happening behind the scenes too. I’ve been slowly working on some new writing and design projects, including my graphic novel, LEAF, and I was asked to be a part of the Wainui Artists gallery showing at the Pito One Depot just this month – my first proper art exhibition for the general public! One of my most favourite pieces, “Medusa,” was included, along with a custom tūī piece and some more of my bird art.
If you want to check out the sort of things I do, you can see some examples on my Art Commissions page here. I am also available for book cover designs if you’re in the market for that. 😄
I’ve also published another short story on my blog. “Salt of the Earth” was one of three stories in my chapbook, “Learning to Let Go” released at the very end of 2024, and which you can purchase here. The story itself was nominated for a Sir Julius Vogel award but sadly didn’t make the shortlist. That’s okay, as I know Clarence has a lot more adventures to have and villages to save in the future.
One very big piece of exciting news is that I finally got around to changing my name legally from Tabatha to Tee; something I had been wanting to do for a very long time. I have decided to write and publish mostly under the name of T.L. Wood, and some of my past collections will be getting cover updates to reflect this. Eagle-eyed readers might also spot a slight change to my usual logo.
I held a “Tee / tea party” on the Solstice to celebrate with some close friends, and it was exactly the mid-winter pick-me-up I needed. And yes, we had tea in proper china cups and a selection of cupcakes and brownies. 😋
I’ll be doing more with Wild Wood Books in the future too, offering publishing advice to other indie authors, and supporting them to make their ideas a reality.
Finally, don’t forget, my collection, REFLECTIONS, is and always will be, completely free to download from BookFunnel here.
