Happy New Year, everyone! It feels so good to be back. Last year was a whirlwind. Like many solopreneurs, I wear a lot of hats, and sometimes things have to take a backseat – in my case, that was regular posting here. Plus, as someone who’s not a native English speaker, crafting just the right words can take extra time and energy. But guess what? I discovered a fantastic writing partner – advanced AI chatbots! It’s been a game-changer, helping me streamline my workflow and rediscover the joy of writing.
So, I’m thrilled to announce that I’m not just back, I’m reimagined. I’m excited to reconnect with all of you and unveil a fresh new look for my business, one that truly reflects who I am and the value I bring.
Welcome to HotVibes Column, founded by yours truly, Michael Yong, right here in beautiful Victoria, BC, Canada. I’m passionate about crafting both fiction and non-fiction, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on.
Speaking of which, I’m incredibly proud to present the fruit of my labors from 2024 in the last minute rigt before Christmas: Project One: My Writing Journey. I poured my heart and soul into this project, and I’m eager to finally share it with you.
I’M AIDEN JASPER
I pen contemporary romance fantasy with a gay theme, exploring narratives around age-gap affairs, forbidden love, societal norms, and the enduring power of love. In December 2024, I successfully released three books under a Christmas book series with titled A Gay White Christmas Tale:
1. Whispers of the Frosted Pines
A magical and introspective tale of a young artist drawn into a mysterious, enchanted forest. The protagonist’s discovery of an ancient tree and a cryptic guardian unveils a world filled with secrets, magical forces, and emotional depth. This story explores themes of self-discovery, connection, and the delicate balance between humanity and the supernatural.
2. Laughter Against the Snowflakes
A heartwarming romantic comedy set against a snowy urban backdrop. A struggling comedian, Elliot, meets Ciaran, an enigmatic and otherworldly man with hidden magic. As their bond grows, Elliot navigates family expectations, societal judgment, and his own insecurities while uncovering the magical possibilities of love and acceptance.
3. Frostbound Spirits and Alien Hearts
A fusion of science fiction and heartfelt drama set in the snowy isolation of Frosthaven. The protagonist encounters Zephyr, a stranded alien with healing abilities and a mysterious past. Through their growing friendship, they explore themes of belonging, connection, and the transformative power of shared experiences.
All Available for Order now on Amazon.
I’M NEVADA BIRD
I delve into different niches. As for my first project that I have been working on and off for two years is about caregiving. My debut book, Love and Caregiving for LGBTQ+ Couples in Age-Gap Relationships is a blend of personal memoir, personal growth, and a self-improvement guide, offering insights into caregiving within same-sex age-gap relationships. Furthermore, it is about my journey from lover to caregiver, a role I unexpectedly embraced without prior experience, was fought with challenges. Feelings of regret and guilt often surfaced as I grappled with the weight of responsibility and the fear of failing. Releasing my debut book under the pen name Nevada Bird signifies a path towards personal redemption, a testament to my resilience and a celebration of my creative spirit. This guidebook explores the challenges and joys of caregiving in a same-sex age-gap relationship, interwoven with themes of love, resilience, and acceptance. The book offers practical advice and reflections on advance care planning including end-of-life decisions, essential tips for caregivers’ routine and responsibilities, navigating help and support, societal judgments, self-care, coping mechanism, aiming to support others in similar situations.
Available for Order now on Amazon.
Expectations: What to Gain from ‘Love and Caregiving’
Personal Connection and Relatability
This poignant memoir offers an intimate look at the author’s experience as a caregiver in an age-gap, same-sex relationship, evoking deep emotions in readers who may be navigating similar challenges in their own love lives or caregiving journeys.
Practical Caregiving Advice
This memoir doesn’t just offer practical tips for caregivers; it delves into the raw, emotional core of the experience. Readers will find themselves nodding along with the author’s honest reflections on self-care, the complexities of legal planning, and the often overwhelming emotional burdens that come with caring for a loved one. More than just a guide, this book offers solace, understanding, and a sense of shared humanity for anyone navigating the challenging yet deeply rewarding path of caregiving.
Navigating Societal Challenges
This memoir doesn’t shy away from the painful realities faced by LGBTQ+ couples in a world that often misunderstands them. With raw honesty, the author explores the sting of assumptions and the weight of stereotypes, laying bare the emotional toll these challenges take. But beyond simply recounting the struggles, this book offers a beacon of hope. Readers will find solace and strength in the author’s heartfelt advice on embracing differences, fostering open communication, and cultivating the inner resilience needed to face adversity with dignity and grace. This is a powerful testament to the enduring power of love in the face of societal pressures.
Preparation and Planning
Facing life’s uncertainties can be daunting, especially for marginalized communities who often face additional hurdles. This memoir doesn’t sugarcoat the difficult realities of aging and illness, but instead offers a compassionate guide to navigating these challenges with courage and foresight. Through deeply personal experiences, the author reveals the emotional peace of mind that comes with being prepared. Readers will find themselves moved by the author’s vulnerability as they explore the importance of legal tools like wills, powers of attorney, and care plans. This book serves as a powerful reminder that planning for the future is not just about practicality; it’s about protecting the ones we love and ensuring their well-being with dignity and respect.
Emotional Resilience and Support
This book doesn’t just narrate the journey through love, loss, and healing; it immerses you in the raw, visceral emotions of grief and bereavement. Through intimate storytelling, the author invites you to witness their own journey through the darkness of loss, offering a hand to hold as you navigate your own. More than just advice, this book provides solace and understanding, reminding you that you are not alone. The author’s vulnerability in sharing their experiences with grief and the healing power of community, therapy, and the caregiving journey itself will leave you feeling deeply connected and empowered to face your own challenges with renewed hope and resilience.
Celebration of Love’s Strength
More than a tribute, this book is a love letter to the enduring power of connection in the face of life’s greatest challenges. Through intimate stories of caregiving, the author reveals the profound depths of love and devotion that can blossom even in the most difficult of circumstances. Prepare to be moved as you witness the transformative power of love to heal, sustain, and ultimately transcend the boundaries of mortality. This is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the precious gift of human connection and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.
Introducing Project Two: My Work-From-Home “Real-Live Experience“
Life is a series of chapters, each teaching us lessons and shaping the person we’re becoming. My first project on HotVibes Column was deeply personal—a non-fictional reflection of my life story and my journey as a caregiver. For years, I cared for my beloved partner as a closeted gay couple, navigating a world that didn’t always understand our love. It was a time of profound growth, sacrifice, and unconditional devotion. May the Lord bless his soul.
Now, it’s time to close that chapter with gratitude and step forward into a new phase of my life.
This year, I’m embarking on a new journey: Project Two: My Work-From-Home Real-Live Experience. This isn’t just a story—it’s an evolving experiment, where I’m learning and sharing what works along the way.
When I launched this blog in January 2024, I had plans to write a self-help guidebook while diving into affiliate marketing. For six months, I poured my energy into those goals, but I didn’t see any results, so I paused on affiliate marketing temporarily. Instead, I discovered my passion lay in writing and storytelling—crafting both non-fiction and fictional short stories that connect with people on a deeper level.
Milestones Achieved, Lessons Learned
In December 2024, I proudly published my debut books in both fiction and non-fiction. These were milestones I once doubted I could reach, achieved through resilience, creativity, and a willingness to embrace failure as a teacher. While the journey has been far from smooth, it’s been undeniably rewarding.
A Fresh Start in 2025
This year, I’m starting fresh—with a clear purpose and a fiery passion for growth. Project Two isn’t just about working from home; it’s about sharing my real-life journey as I navigate this path. I want to bring you insights, lessons, strategies that actually work, and maybe even a few stories to make you laugh along the way.
Right now, the road ahead feels equal parts thrilling and terrifying. Honestly, it’s like standing at the edge of a cliff—the wind rushing past, the ground dropping away beneath my feet. If I leap and soar, you’ll be the first to hear about it. I’ll share every moment: the feeling of the wind carrying me, the warmth of the sun on my face, the incredible view of the world below.
But… what if I don’t? What if I lose my footing, the wind knocks me off course, and I come crashing down? Just thinking about it gives me that gut-twisting, rollercoaster-drop feeling. But here’s the thing: I won’t disappear. If I stumble or fall, I’ll dust myself off, climb back up, and tell you all about it—not for sympathy, but so you know that setbacks happen to all of us. Even when it feels like everything’s gone wrong, there’s always a way to get back on your feet. And I’ll be here to remind you of that every step of the way.
This journey, this “Hotvibes Column” as I call it, is about more than just success. It’s about growth, about peeling back the layers of myself and sharing the messy, beautiful truth with the world. For project one, I was diving deep into the world of LGBTQ+ relationships, particularly those with age gaps. I want to offer a lifeline to caregivers navigating these unique and often misunderstood waters. The resources, the stories, the wisdom are provided to help them on their journey.
As for project two, I’m chasing the dream of financial freedom through affiliate marketing. It’s a daunting path, filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. However, I am resolute in my pursuit of establishing a solid foundation, to build a sustainable income that allows me to pursue my passions without compromise. I’ll share my wins, my losses, and everything in between. Because even in the face of failure, there’s always something to learn, something to grow from.
So here’s to the leap, climb, and messy, beautiful journey ahead. I have created a special column for Project Two: My Journal – Nevada’s Work-From-Home Experience as an Affiliate Marketer. I’ll keep you posted every step of the way.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s make 2025 a year of learning, growing, and thriving—together.With gratitude and hope,
