I read about a dozen fewer books than last year, but last year was a high-water mark with nearly 120 books read. Honestly, any time I surpass my goal of 100 books a year, I'm happy.

For fiction, Collapsing Empire was probably my favorite book of the year thanks to its characterizations and unique worldbuilding, although there were a lot of books and authors old and new that I really enjoyed. I finished making my way through Chris Fox's backlist (fiction and nonfiction), read some more Mark Dawson, and found a new author (Pippa DaCosta) that I really loved.

For nonfiction, Jon Acuff and Chris Fox had my favorite books of the year, all related to writing or general work habits/inspiration that I can apply to my writing.

Overall, it was a satisfactory reading year. It felt like I discovered fewer amazing books that I've added to my all-time favorites, but I also had a lot fewer bombs that were a slog to get through. Most of the books I read this year were perfectly fine and enjoyable even if I don't plan on revisiting them.

I listened to way more podcasts than I ever have before, almost 1,000 episodes more than my previous record, and I have to admit that I think I'm just about podcasted out for a while... especially when it comes to current events and writing. I love advice and I love keeping current on everything that's happening in the world, but I look back on this year and wonder if I couldn't have better spent that time reading more books or *gasp* writing more during that time I spent listening to six to eight different news podcasts reiterating the same current stories each week. I expect my podcast count to take a big dive next year because I'm going to try to be more discerning about what I listen to and will most likely cut out some of the daily podcasts and other advice podcasts that are starting to feel a little tedious to listen to.

I didn't read a single comic book or graphic novel this year, so I've got a pretty low bar to clear next year.

I'm not putting any favorites or highly recommended on the script section of my reading list because a lot of the writers on this list are my friends and/or colleagues and I don't want to play favorites with my friends and business associates.