Shenanigan Report - Welcome to 2026
Dia Dhuit! Hello story lovers!
NEW BEGINNINGS
I just got back from a morning walk, and my head is full of thoughts. I've been down for the count with a crazy stomach thing for almost two weeks. Finally, my body is close to being 100%, and I'm settling back into a semblance of a routine. However, it's a bit of a new routine. I'm doing my best to get out of the house, even for a few minutes every morning before I get started on anything else. This morning, a crisp morning with bright blue skies greeted me. My head cleared, and I knew I was going to start this Shenanigan Report talking about that moment. That one little change made a huge difference in my mood and made me realize that I only need one resolution going into the new year: to be more intentional in the small moments that fill my life. I think that's going to make a far more profound impact on my life than a list of any "bigger" resolutions I could come up with. What are some of your resolutions? Let us know in a comment. I'm interested to see what energy y'all are bringing to the new year.
As I'm working out some kind of format going forward, I think I'll start each new Shenanigan Report with what's going on in my brain at the time I put it together. Hopefully, some of those thoughts will spark off a conversation in the comments.
2026 SCHEDULE
If you're interested in where I'll be this year, here are my schedules for the year:
- General Events
- Writing Classes
I hope to see y'all at some events. If you have something going on near you, and you think it would be a good fit for a Gallowglas Army invasion, drop me a line, and I'll reach out to their promoters and see about heading your way.
I do have a new Zoom class starting this Saturday morning and running through the rest of the month. Narrative Structure Boot Camp will offer you new ways to explore your stories. Week one, we'll go through the Gallowglas Story Path. In week two, I'll take you through the Gallowglas Narrative Algorithm. In week three, I'll introduce the Axioms. And in week four, we'll work on wrapping them together to create more engaging stories. However, these tools won't just help you craft stronger stories; they will help you examine other stories so you can tell why they are or aren't working.
Register here - I still have a couple of spots at the discounted $125, for all four sessions.
If you're looking to jumpstart your writing in the new year, this class is perfect for you.
FOLLOW UPS
For those of you who missed our first couple of Reports in our new home, you can check out:
- Welcome to our new HQ
- Obligatory Holiday Post with a Prezzie!
(The offer for the free ebook is still good.)
A while back, I posted to my social media and in the Gallowglas Army Discord about what I should put into the Gallowglas Army Field Guide. I'm still working on putting that together, so if anyone has any thoughts about what I should include, feel free to make suggestions. You can do that in the comments, email, or message me wherever we're connected on socials.
I'm also putting together a set of rules for the Gallowglas Army. Those will roll out over time as I come up with them. We've had the first rule of the Gallowglas Army for a long time, but I haven't officially codified it anywhere... untill now.
The first rule of the Gallowglas Army is: you talk about the Gallowglas Army. Often! Tell your friends, family, the internet, and strangers on the street!
That's all for this report.
Until next time, may all of your stories have happy endings.
