New Year, New You? Your Writing During Capricorn Season

Happy New Year, Wordmakers!  

It’s a New Year, but you can be the same you, author—and that’s more than okay.

The pressure to reinvent yourself every January can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like everyone is sprinting toward shiny new goals and “better” versions of themselves. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to transform into someone else to achieve success or fulfillment.

The writer you are right now—your voice, your perspective, your quirks, and even your doubts—is more than enough to create amazing stories. Growth doesn’t require an overhaul. It’s often about small, intentional steps that build on the foundation you’ve already laid.

Instead of chasing perfection, embrace the parts of your creative process that already work for you. Lean into what makes your writing uniquely yours. Maybe this year is about refining your skills or simply finding more joy in the process. Maybe it’s about setting boundaries, protecting your creative energy, and writing the stories you’ve always wanted to tell.

So yes, it’s a New Year, but you don’t need to become a “new you” to succeed. Just show up as the writer you’ve always been—dedicated, passionate, and ready to put words on the page. That’s enough. You’re enough. Let’s make this year one of creativity and confidence, exactly as you are.

So, when you look back on 2024, take some time to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished as an author—because, let’s be real, even the smallest wins deserve a celebration. Did you hit a publishing milestone, tackle that tricky plot twist, or just manage to keep going when the writing got tough? Those victories matter, and they’re proof of how far you’ve come.

Instead of feeling the pressure to reinvent yourself for 2025, focus on refining what’s already working. Maybe you found a writing rhythm that felt good, experimented with new tropes, or discovered a fresh approach to your storytelling. Build on that momentum rather than starting over. Lean into your strengths. What did you consistently nail this past year? Was it crafting swoon-worthy dialogue, building emotional tension, or delivering on the best slow-burn romance? Highlight those skills—they’re part of what makes your voice unique.

As you move forward, think about small, sustainable changes you can make to support your writing life. Maybe it’s adjusting your daily routine to include more creative time, organizing your notes to make drafting easier, or even setting clearer boundaries to protect your writing space. Big transformations aren’t necessary; sometimes, it’s the little tweaks that lead to the most growth.

Above all, reconnect with why you write. 2024 may have had its challenges, but it also showed you what’s possible when you stick to your passion. Let that purpose guide you into 2025—not as a “new you,” but as the same author who’s always been capable of telling incredible stories.

This leads right into some changes I made for myself at the end of 2024 regarding the Wordmakers Community.

I shut down the Wordmakers Writing Community.

That’s right. It’s the end of an era. The Wordmakers Writing Community is no more. As you can imagine, this wasn’t an easy decision, but at the end of the day, it feels like the right one. This is something I’ve spent countless hours thinking about—reflecting on what feels aligned with where I am, both personally and professionally. You all deserve that level of thoughtfulness, and I want to be as transparent as possible about what led me here.  

Last year was … a lot, to say the least. My mother passed away in April after being diagnosed with terminal cancer in the summer of ‘23. That loss brought so many things into sharp focus for me.  

When I started the Wordmakers Writing Community, it was with the intention of creating a haven for authors—a space to share stories, find support, grow together, and, most importantly, write together. Over the years, we’ve celebrated milestones, conquered writer’s block, and lifted each other up through challenges. It has always felt more like a family than a community. Watching you achieve your publishing goals and embrace your creative voices has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career as a romance author and editor.  I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together. But as I look forward, I’ve realized that I don’t know how much more I can give to this community in its current form. So, it’s time to close this chapter.  

While the Wordmakers Community is now closed, some traditions will continue:  

#20kin5Days returns March 12–16, 2025, and will hosted in a private area of the website.  

Wordmakers.org (this website) will remain active as a hub for resources, articles, and updates.  

The Making Words podcast will also be revived later this year.  

To all the Wordmakers who rode with me these last five years, thank you for being part of this journey. Your support has meant the world to me.

Tarot Forecast for Romance Authors  

Card of the Month: Five of Cups  

Description: This card often reflects loss, disappointment, or focusing on what’s gone rather than what remains. 

Interpretation for Writers: Use the themes of grief and resilience to explore your characters’ emotional depths. How do they find hope after disappointment? How do they shift their focus toward what’s possible instead of what’s lost?  

Writing Prompt: Write a scene where your protagonist faces a setback that forces them to reassess what they truly value. Let their emotional response reveal their growth arc.  

Astrology Forecast for Romance Authors  

January’s energy encourages reflection and recalibration. Use this time to refine your creative goals and set intentions for the year ahead.  It invites us to slow down, take a breath, and really consider where we’re headed. It’s not about diving headfirst into action or overwhelming yourself with massive to-do lists—it’s about pausing to reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go. Think of it as a chance to recalibrate, to get in tune with your creative purpose and set a strong foundation for the year ahead.

This is the perfect time to revisit your writing journey. What worked for you last year? What didn’t? Maybe you found a writing schedule that felt like magic, or perhaps there’s a project still tugging at your heartstrings that deserves a second look. Use this reflective energy to identify what truly matters to you as a writer and where you want to focus your energy moving forward.

Set intentions that inspire you, not ones that weigh you down. Whether it’s finishing that draft, experimenting with a new trope, or simply committing to a more sustainable writing practice, let your goals feel exciting and achievable. January’s recalibration isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. This is your time to clarify what success looks like for you this year and create a plan to make it happen, one step at a time.

And don’t forget: this process isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about building habits and rituals that support your creativity all year long. From journaling to tracking your progress, or even creating a cozy, inviting writing space, find ways to nurture your creative self. By taking the time to reflect and recalibrate now, you’re setting yourself up for a year that feels purposeful, productive, and uniquely yours.

Key Transits and Aspects January 2025

January 6: Mercury Trine Uranus — This alignment sparks creativity and fresh ideas. It's a great time for brainstorming unique plot twists or experimenting with unexpected character dynamics. Let your imagination roam free, and don’t shy away from thinking outside the box in your storytelling.  

January 15: New Moon in Capricorn — The Capricorn New Moon is all about grounding and structuring your goals. Use this energy to map out your writing plans for the year or outline your current work-in-progress. This is a perfect moment for setting practical, achievable intentions and taking the first steps toward them.  

January 20: Mars Sextile Saturn — This transit emphasizes disciplined action and persistence. Channel this steady energy into tasks that require focus, like editing or organizing your writing schedule. It’s a productive time for making tangible progress on long-term projects.  

January 25: Venus Conjunct Pluto — A powerful transit for diving into deep emotions and intense romantic themes in your writing. Use this energy to explore your characters’ vulnerabilities, passions, and the transformative aspects of their relationships.  

Writing Tips Based on Zodiac Signs

Aries: Channel your fiery energy into bold, action-driven scenes. Push your characters into high-stakes situations where their courage and determination can shine.

Taurus: Immerse your readers in sensory-rich descriptions. Use texture, taste, and sound to bring your settings to life and ground your readers in the world you’re building.

Gemini: Let your natural curiosity guide you to craft sparkling dialogue and witty banter. This is the perfect time to give your characters memorable voices that leap off the page.

Cancer: Reflect on emotional connections within your story. Deepen the bonds between characters, whether it’s family, friendship, or romance, to tug at readers’ heartstrings.

Leo: Add a touch of dramatic flair to your pivotal moments. Let your characters take center stage in ways that captivate and hold your readers’ attention.

Virgo: Hone in on the finer details of your story. This is an excellent time to polish your outline, check your pacing, or refine your character arcs for consistency.

Libra: Strive for harmony in your storytelling. Balance the tension in relationships by allowing moments of conflict and resolution to coexist and complement each other.

Scorpio: Explore your characters’ hidden depths. Unearth their vulnerabilities and let those moments of raw emotion create gripping, page-turning tension.

Sagittarius: Add a subplot that injects adventure or challenges your characters’ comfort zones. This fresh perspective can add layers to your narrative.

Capricorn: Focus on building a rock-solid foundation for your story. Make sure the stakes are clear and the pacing feels intentional and compelling.

Aquarius: Embrace your innovative side by experimenting with unconventional plot twists or unexpected narrative techniques that keep readers guessing.

Pisces: Dive into your imagination to create dreamlike, immersive scenes. Let your readers escape into the poetic, atmospheric worlds you build.

As we step into 2025, let’s remember that creativity isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about embracing who you already are. 

The writer you are today, with your unique voice and experiences, is more than capable of crafting incredible stories. Growth doesn’t come from chasing perfection but from taking thoughtful steps that align with your goals and values.

This month, let’s reflect on the wins of 2024, no matter how small, and use them as a foundation to recalibrate and refine our creative paths. January is a time for setting meaningful intentions, nurturing your habits, and creating space for inspiration to thrive. Whether you’re outlining a new project, exploring bold storytelling techniques, or simply giving yourself permission to rest, know that every effort you make matters.

This newsletter is packed with tools to guide your journey—from tarot insights and astrological forecasts to actionable writing tips tailored to your zodiac sign. And though the Wordmakers membership group is closing, the community spirit will live on through our continued resources, events like #20kin5Days, and the revival of the Wordmakers podcast.

Here’s to a year of creative breakthroughs, authentic storytelling, and unwavering confidence in your unique voice. Together, let’s make 2025 a year filled with words that inspire, challenge, and connect. You’ve got this, and I can’t wait to see where your writing takes you next.

xo, Tasha