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In 2021, I wrote a column around this time of year entitled, “The Year I Turned 22.”

I’d had it in my head that I would write a memoir about the year I turned 22 – how it was my Year of New Things, the year my life took a turn for the better, and a year I ended in Atlanta, in a church, listening to fireworks beyond the steeple among my best of friends. 

On Monday, I turn 24 years old. A lot has changed since I came to you readers as a 21-year-old, going on 22, and two years later, presenting my “Year I turned 24” column to you. Thanks for sticking by my side, readers. Now, onto my new journey.

Dear diary – For my birthday last year, I took a train through western N.C. and went ziplining. On my actual birthday, I went to church, hung out at home, napped, and watched American Idol with my mom (which I’ll do again this Monday night, mind you).

I’ll be celebrating this year with all my friends. By the time you’re reading this, we will have had a big sleepover at my house (people in their twenties still do this, you know), and we’ll probably be off to breakfast by now.

My 24th year will encompass––hopefully––a lot of travel, a lot of growing, and a lot of writing. Speaking of these things, let me break them down for you.

My traveling is starting to pick up; last night, my friends and I presented PowerPoint presentations about where we wanted to take our group vacation this summer, trying to convince the group with cheap prices, the best views, and the most enticing attractions. Then, we took a vote (more on this in my next column).

I’ll be spending this year––like I’ve reiterated a thousand times––learning to embrace the person God made me to be. I’ll be finding that comfort again in who I am and bringing back the teenage girl who was obsessed with archery and books, which leads me to my next point: writing.

Big news! A couple of weeks ago, I signed a publishing contract for my next book. It’s expected to come out early next year. The best part for you all? It’s for adults this time, written about a 25-year-old journalist in Chicago.

“The Button Collector” is a thriller––signed, sealed, and delivered to the editor for its first facelift of the publication process. Woo hoo!

New year, new books from M.M. Cochran, and you, readers, have supported me every step of the way.

The year of 24 for me looks good, and though I’ve never particularly loved the spring season, I can at least appreciate that my birthday sits at the dawn of new life and warmth. Perhaps before I settle in to watch American Idol on Monday night, I’ll watch the sunset on my birthday and enjoy the blooming leaves and warm evening. 

 

P.S. At the end of the day, enjoy the season, friends.