Mariella Hunt

I remember when I first began writing in this blog. Recently, I received an email from WordPress informing me that my blog was over a decade old. I believe the number is verging on thirteen years now; while I have been inconsistent in updating it, I have never stopped writing, and in 2025 I’m going to make (another) concerted effort to keep you all informed about my creative pursuits.

Today was my 31st birthday. I went with my mom and brother to a fish restaurant, where I met with a very friendly orange fish named Shipwreck who behaved rather like a little puppy:

He was a bit of a flirt. I think I’ll return soon and see if he recognizes my face. Isn’t he just adorable, though? He was the happiest creature in the room! (I bet he didn’t know that most of the plates on the tables were carrying bits of fried fish).

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At the young age of 31, though I wish I’d managed to achieve more by now, I am reminded of the C.S. Lewis quote: I am old enough to begin reading fairy tales again, and I’m going to make my reading this coming year more intentional. Of late, I’ve mostly been reading things that were popular, for the simple purpose of learning why they are popular.

Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.

— C.S. Lewis

In 2025, I’m going to read classics, such as Victor Hugo and Emile Zola. I’ve always been more interested in the classics; they help shape my writing, I think, more than new books do, though there are certainly new books that are worth reading.

If you think it’s been quiet here lately, you’re right. I’ve spent more time on Substack, where I am weekly posting works of nonfiction as well as weekly chapters for my latest serialized novel, The Graveyard House, which I hope will be ready for a 2025 Halloween publication. I did not publish any new books this year–at least, not in paper form–but it was an important year for gathering ideas and honing my skills.

Check out my Substack newsletter; early next year, I’ll also be releasing the chapters of my completed pirate story, Davy Jones’ Daughter. I am also doing the research in hopes of possibly starting a book themed podcast in the spring. I will keep you updated about this.

If you would like to support any of these pursuits, I have started my Buy Me A Coffee page.

Click here if you wish to make a donation so that these things can be possible.

Expect for this blog to be updated weekly or biweekly from now on; I’m doing better with keeping punctual.

I hope that 2024 has treated you well; we’ll keep in touch this coming year!

-Mariella