This time of year, I go offline for a few days to eat unhealthily, read books and wonder why my 2021 to-do list looks remarkably like the 2020 one.

Just wanted to wish everyone the compliments of the season. Most of all, I hope you have a safe and healthy 2021.

The year 2020 had few highlights, let’s be honest. And plenty of what we shall call “challenges.” But a redeeming joy came from the kindness and companionship of fellow readers and writers.

Publishing a book often feels like ...