It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to the past and future, and for me three words come to mind: gnawing, frustration, and creativity.

Let me get the good out of the way first. About 18 months ago, I started my first book with Lonely Planet. I’m now working on my fifth—my 40th book project if you add up the ones I’ve authored, co-authored or updated. 2024 also brought a good number of stories and branded content work from long-term clients such as Nat Geo, as well as a few new clients that...