August Reflections & September Goals

I started August with big plans—two WIPs to write, Kindred Creativity Club events to run, and even helping my husband revise his novel. But life had other ideas.

PMDD hit me hard this month, and I had to step back. At first, I felt guilty for slowing down, but I’m learning that rest isn’t failure—it’s part of the process. Most of August was spent reading fanfiction, watching YouTube, playing The Sims, and even treating myself to some new Halloween decorations (because spooky season is always in my heart 🎃).

The good news? That pause worked. I feel recharged and ready for September. KCC’s Creative Connections Spotlight is just around the corner, and I’ve set my sights firmly on finishing Divine Unmaking—a story that feels closer to my heart than anything I’ve written before.

I also can’t help but celebrate my husband, who finished and started querying his first novel (with book two already in progress!). Watching him chase his dreams has been a huge inspiration for me to keep going with mine.

If you’d like the full update—with more on my writing goals, KCC events, and, yes, a peek at my Halloween haul—you can read it here 👉 [https://claredugmore.com/blog/august-reflections-rest-creativity-and-comebacks]

From POV Swaps to Partner Pride: My July Writing Update.

 

July flew by in a blur of rewrites, word count goals, and unexpected inspiration!

This month, I made the bold decision to shift both Fractured Loyalties and Before the Fracture from first to third person — a 70,000-word POV change! It’s been a huge undertaking, but one that feels right for the world-building and tone I love most.

I also allowed myself to dive into something new: a sapphic dark fantasy romance that’s already 8,000 words strong and brimming with potential. If you’re curious, I’ll be sharing a sneak peek with newsletter subscribers soon!

Outside my own writing, something wonderful happened — my husband started writing a novel of his own! After years in games journalism and content creation, he’s found his spark again in a dystopian horror-comedy that’s equal parts clever and chaotic. He’s written over 50,000 words already, and I couldn’t be prouder.

The month wasn’t without its challenges — PMDD hit hard — but there were still plenty of bright spots, including spotlighting the Write Here, Write Now author community through The Kindred Creativity Club.

💌 Want to read the full update (including the hilarious, horrifying, and heartwarming bits)?
👉 Read it here: https://claredugmore.com/blog/from-pov-swaps-to-partner-pride-my-july-writing-update

Until next time — stay safe, stay creative, and T.T.F.N. 💜

— Clare

Shiny, Sweaty People - AKA My June Wrap-Up

 

June has been an absolute whirlwind — creatively and weather-wise! While the UK melted under another heatwave (with no air con in sight), I managed to channel that sweaty chaos into some solid writing wins and exciting story developments.

I’ve been deep in revisions for Fractured Loyalties – Act One, working closely with my most trusted (and most handsome) beta reader — Hubby. We’ve been tackling Nola’s arc and refining some of the world-building, especially around the PID, to make things feel even more sinister. It’s been both challenging and energising to revisit this story with fresh eyes after so many versions.

But that’s not all — what started as a short prequel for an anthology has now exploded into two full-length novels! The lore was just too juicy to keep short. I'm calling the series Before the Fracture, and it’s shaping up to be something really special.

June also marked the official relaunch of The Kindred Creativity Club (formerly The Kindred Book Club), with our first event, Creating With Pride, spotlighting amazing LGBTQIA+ indie creatives and raising funds for Stonewall. The response and support were wonderful, and I’ve already made some great new connections.

And then, just when I thought I had enough on my plate, a new plot bunny ambushed me. Imagine a sapphic dark fantasy romance inspired by The Dark Phoenix Saga, Sansa Stark’s arc, the Persephone myth, and the film Labyrinth. That’s Divine Unmaking, and it’s currently consuming my brain in the best possible way.

To keep everything manageable (and my brain from melting), I’ve carved out a flexible weekly schedule where I rotate projects, dedicate time to The KCC, and actually take evenings and weekends off. I’m learning to listen to my ADHD brain and respect its rhythms — whether that means powering through a 6-hour Spotify playlist session or stepping back when I feel blocked or anxious.

If you’d like a more in-depth look at what I worked on this month — including behind-the-scenes updates, word counts, and how I’m balancing multiple projects without burning out — you can read the full post over on my blog:

👉 Click here to read the full June update

Thanks for following along, and wherever you are — stay hydrated, stay creative, and take care of yourself. ❤️