Last year I set myself a reading challenge of twelve books. In the end, I read sixteen. Encouraged by my 2024 success, this year’s reading challenge is to finish, and possibly review, twenty books in 2025. Last year, I got into the habit of taking myself to bed a little Read more…
I’m firmly ensconced in the new year and back at my desk, so I thought it was time to tell you about my plan for 2025. And yes, it’s a writerly one, which I’m sure you were expecting. Here’s what I’ll be getting up to over the next twelve months. Read more…
Back in January, I set myself a challenge of reading 12 books in 2024. That may not seem like a lot to many readers, but it’s a realistic figure for me. I do struggle to fit in daily reading time around my copywriting business, working on my novels, doing family Read more…
Quite a lot of readers have asked me this question, so I thought I’d answer it here on my blog. Just in case you’re new to my writing, the Haven Chronicles series is made up (so far) of two books, Haven Wakes and Magic Bound. The third book is currently Read more…
There’s a long-standing tradition of romance playing a part in adventure storylines. Whether it’s the chivalry of King Arthur’s court or the love between Rose and the Doctor in Doctor Who, romance is often key to creating a rich and enjoyable plot. Done well, it can provide character depth or Read more…
One of the best things about the winter season, even when the weather is rainy and miserable, is that it gives us the perfect excuse to snuggle up indoors and get some reading done. And even if we don’t get snow – it came and went here in North Wales Read more…
You’ve probably heard me talk about beta and ARC readers, but I don’t think I’ve ever explained who these marvellous people are and why you might want to be one. Beta and ARC readers play a crucial role in shaping the stories I tell and the tales I love to Read more…
It’s that time of year again, when I take a moment to look back over 2022 before I dive into the festive season. It has been a marvellous year for me on so many fronts. Here’s why: Haven Wakes was reborn My first fantasy novel, Haven Wakes, received a make-over. Read more…
The last time I blogged about scary reads was back in 2020 so I thought it was time to do it again. I’ve found five more books whose frights have stayed with me long after I’ve reached the end of the novel. Whether you want scares for youngsters, full-on horror, Read more…
When I lived in York in my pre husband and offspring years, one of my favourite ways to spend a lunchtime was to browse the city centre book shops. I had a choice between a Waterstones, where my favourite genres and non-fiction reads lived in the basement, and another book Read more…