A New Year, A New Beginning

I have to admit 2025 was a struggle. After thirty plus years of doing what others demanded of me, I decided to work for me. I am still an Occupational Therapist, but now I’m an independent contractor, working with clients in their homes. While not completely without challenges, this has worked out well–I have a flexible schedule, and I can work with my clients to meet their needs and not the demands of some bean-counter who give lip service to quality of care but is truly focused on how many billable services go through the door (don’t get me started).

I’m still writing, but I took a break from writing my novel series (The Tess Corona Chronicles) and focused on writing short stories. As a result, two of my stories were published this year (“Missing Gem” in Trouble in Texas, and “Citta Fantasmi” in Lured into the Deep). I also received an invitation to participate in another anthology due out in early 2026 (info forthcoming as I have it). There are lots of story ideas spinning in my noggin–which is a challenge in itself. My intention is to continue writing Tess’s story, begin Cyra’s journey, and write a few more short fictions this year.

The area I’ve truly struggled with is combining my Occupational Therapy career with my writing. Substack (@TiffanySeitz) was my attempt to do so, but it hasn’t been easy. While I have many thoughts and ideas to share, at the end of the day spent with clients, I find I have few words of wisdom left to share with you. I am working hard to change that. Over the years, I have written a few flash fiction stories that highlight some of my professional interests. Today, I presented a story, The Cape, written in 2021 and the winner of the Kathryn McClatchy Flash Fiction Contest (writersguildtx.org). If you are on Substack, please check it out and let me know what you think, along with any content you’d like to see from me (I take requests!).

And may 2026 meet your expectations and your intentions be met!

T