The Best of 2025 – Top Posts about Celtic Folklore, 18th Century History and Writing

Hello Wise Ones!

I can’t believe 2025 is almost over! And what a year it’s been. As I reflect, I’m incredibly grateful for everyone in this quirky little community of people who like historical fantasy fiction, witchy tales and sharing magical moments. (I’ll share some pictures at the end of this post.)

This was a big year for me. For the first time in my life, I felt like a “real” writer, even though I’ve been blogging and getting paid as a freelance writer as a side hustle for years. Maybe this was the year I got over some of my fears and put my stories out to the world in different ways.

My biggest project this year was releasing To Condemn a Witch, the prequel of To Rescue a Witch, in August. The entire first half of the year was dedicated to editing, formatting, proof-reading, beta reading and getting it uploaded into Amazon and launched into the world. The impostor syndrome vibes I felt were off the chart. But then, when I was helping my daughter get settled into college, I happened to check my book and that glorious orange Amazon Best Seller badge appeared over the cover, I was floored. And all day Rylee kept whispering, “Hey, Mom. Guess what? You’re a best selling author.”
The second half of the year I had to get over my fear of selling and I actively went to markets, book stores, libraries and Toastmaster clubs to talk about the process of writing, research done for the books (including travelling to Scotland and Colonial Williamsburg) and a brief history of witch trials in the UK and colonies. I used to feel embarrassed, cringy even, talking about my books and asking people to buy them. Then I watched a YouTube video by Kate Hall (@KateHallBiz) who stressed if you created a story, it’s your job to share it with the world, otherwise what’s the point? Going to the markets and festivals ended up being a lot of fun because I got to talk with people interested in the same kinds of stories I like telling. I should have done this earlier!
I faced one of my biggest failures. Back in 2011 I published my first book ever, Mind Your Manners Minnie Monster, which I also illustrated. I was so excited to publish a book, I hadn’t considered how to sell the books. Thus, my closet was filled with boxes of books. I gave a lot away during Covid to local schools, but I still had inventory. Every time I opened the closet I felt bad about myself. Even though it won a Mom’s Choice Award, I didn’t know what to do. Then, I started taking an online course about the publishing business (Royalty Hero) and starting exploring the manosphere on YouTube to discover Alex Hermozi, a young business guru who broke the Guinness Book of World Records selling the most non-fiction books over a weekend (106 MILLION). It became clear that my book didn’t suck, it was just invisible. So, I created an e-book and paperback version available on Amazon, and even narrated it as my first audio book! I paid for Amazon ads, and guess what? It’s starting to sell.

In 2026, I’ve got all sorts of exciting ideas. First and foremost, I’m going to narrate To Condemn a Witch, To Rescue a Witch, which requires me learning Scottish, British and Southern accents and creating multiple character voices. What could be more fun and simultaneously nerve-wracking? I’m all in.

Secondly, I’m going to partner with more authors and local Texas artisans for my newsletter giveaways. (You can sign up for my newsletter at www.lisatraugott.com). Hopefully my network will expand as I travel to more outdoor markets this year, probably starting in March when the weather gets nicer.

Finally, I’m toying with the idea of writing a romance. What do you think? Would you like to read a Scottish Highlander romance with some badass witches? Let me know in the comments below. I want to write stories ya’ll want to read.

Some of My Top Posts of 2025

I thought for the last blog post of the year I’d share the top posts you might find interesting and/or useful. People who follow my blog beyond my friends and family (hi!) tend to fall in a few categories: Historical fiction readers, Fantasy fiction readers, and People who want to write historical fantasy fiction. Welcome all, I’ve got some posts for you.

Folklore & History

Witches Well and Real Witch Trials in Edinburgh, Scotland

Discovering Black History – 18^th Century Virginia Colony

Stonehenge and Summer Solstice

Beira, Queen of Winter – Scottish Mythology

The Legend of Sligachan Old Bridge – Scottish Mythology

Norse Mythology, Yule and Christmas Traditions

Writing Craft

What are the 3 Rules of Magic?

Book Cover Reveal and Design Tips for a Series

You Can Get My First Audio Book (Minnie Monster) for FREE

Sneak Peak – Chapter 1 – To Condemn a Witch

What the hex is a Beta Reader? (And why you need one!)

I LOVE READERS!

I met so many kind and supportive people this year at markets, book stores, the Austin Celtic Festival, and at my presentation Celtic Myths, Magic & Witch Trials. In the section I LOVE READERS, I’ll share photos from the events.

Here are some pictures from the October 18 presentation of Celtic Myths, Magic & Witch Trials