The Month I Rediscovered Some Missing Pieces

 

Hey Besties!

The UK is *still* in the middle of a heatwave—or perhaps temperatures above 25°C are just our new normal?!

Either way, I *think* I'm finally getting used to it... even if I still spend half my day camped out in front of the fan! 😂

The hot weather in July hasn’t slowed me down one bit. In fact, this month, I feel as though I’ve rediscovered some missing pieces of myself.

July turned into a month of big creative decisions. I revisited The Arcanium and made a major change that has completely transformed the project, rethought my plans for serial fiction, expanded my website with new essays, and launched Dear Past Me—a project that's been waiting patiently in the wings for far longer than I realised.

Alongside all of that, there are family updates, health news, and, naturally, at least one slightly ridiculous purchase involving a certain Japanese rock singer...

Read the full entry here. 

The March When ALL My Plans Went Off Track

 

March has been one of those months where absolutely none of my plans stayed on the track I originally set for them.

At the start of the month, I announced I was serializing The Briardell Chronicles. By the end of it, I was announcing that I’m actually serializing Kiss Me After the Kill instead.

In my latest blog post, I talk about why I made that decision, why Briardell now feels too special to serialize, and what this shift means for my long-term publishing plans as I work towards becoming a hybrid author.

I’m also sharing another big creative decision: pausing The Kindred Creativity Club for the foreseeable future, as well as some personal health choices I’ve made this month.

So yes — March has been full of pivots, rethinking, and a lot of “this was not the original plan.”

Read the full post on my website.

December & 2025: A Year-End Reflection

 

December didn’t go quite as planned for me — and honestly, that feels like the most December thing imaginable.

Between the holidays, family commitments, recovery from Novel-November and the Kindred Creativity Club Charity Auction, my brain very firmly decided it was time to rest. So I listened. Writing slowed, projects paused, and Christmas became about spending time with the people I love, recharging, and managing ongoing health stuff.

There were challenges — especially navigating family health concerns — but there were also so many good moments. Quiet celebrations, birthdays, games nights, too much food, and the kind of small joys that remind you what actually matters.

As 2025 comes to a close, I’m incredibly proud of what I achieved this year, particularly with Kindred, which only began in June and still managed to raise £280 for charity, host multiple creative spotlights, and build a genuinely supportive community.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited to return to writing, finish Kiss Me After The Kill, work on new short fiction projects, and expand Kindred in meaningful ways — including a mental-health-focused charity anthology and more community initiatives.

If you’d like to read the full December and 2025 roundup, including my writing plans, Kindred goals, and reflections on rest, burnout, and creativity, you can find it here:

👉 [Read the full post on my website]

 

November has felt like a whirlwind, but in the best way possible. Most of my focus this month was on Novel-November, where I worked almost exclusively on my vampire romantasy, KISS ME AFTER THE KILL — and I’m thrilled to say I wrote almost 54,000 words! It’s the first time in years that I’ve taken part in a NaNo-style challenge and actually won, which feels incredibly motivating.

I’m not quite finished with the draft yet. I still have about three chapters and several spicy scenes left to write, but after such an intense month, I can feel the burnout creeping in. Instead of forcing myself to reach my original goal of 62k, I’m taking a break until January. Then I’ll dive back in with the plan to finish the first draft by the end of the month and begin revisions with Hubby in February. That said, I’ve already sneaked into some early revisions because I woke up with the urge to polish things — so the timing has worked out nicely!

Alongside KMATK, a few new story ideas have been growing. For the Snowy Wings Publishing nursery-rhyme anthology, I’m returning to my original concept: a YA story about a girl marked for death who falls in love with a fae grim reaper. It matches my preferred tone perfectly and feels much more manageable than the cozy sapphic magical-school idea I briefly considered.

I’m also planning ahead for my next big project for 2026: an enemies-to-lovers fae romance featuring a masked, shadow-drenched Prince. I’m desperate to write it already, but I’m keeping myself disciplined — planning only, until KMATK is done.

This month also brought a major personal and career realisation: I’m stepping away from self-publishing. My spicy Christmas short, A Winter’s Kiss (out December 2nd!), will be my last self-pubbed project for the foreseeable future. I have nothing against self-publishing, but it no longer feels like the right path for me creatively. I want to focus the next few years on querying romantasy, fantasy-romance, and paranormal-romance, which feel like my truest writing home.

On the health side, things are looking brighter. My PMDD has been the mildest it’s been in years — hopefully a good sign that my HRT patches are doing their job. I’m also still waiting to hear from Psychiatry UK about ADHD medication, but overall I feel like I’m moving in the right direction. This new stability has inspired me to reach out to my ADHD coach about helping me take the Kindred Creativity Club to the next level in 2025.

Outside writing, November was quieter. Hubby was ill for part of the month, Oldest started his new job, and we didn’t get out much — though I did buy a dancing gecko that sings “Feliz Navidad,” which genuinely brings me joy every time I look at it. Holiday prep is mostly done, Youngest’s gifts are on the way from Japan, and we’re figuring out plans for Oldest’s partner depending on her dog’s health.

It’s wild to think December is here already, and that I’ll be posting both a December wrap-up and a yearly one soon. If you’d like to read the full, detailed version of this month’s update, including all my writing reflections and holiday plans, you can find it here:

👉 [Read the full November wrap-up blog post]

Thanks for joining me this month! 💜

Bitten by the Muse: How a Flash Fic Prompt Sparked a Vampire Romance 🦇✨

September brought a few surprises — some expected, some not — but the biggest was this:

I accidentally started writing a vampire romantasy novel.

It all began during the Write Here, Write Now “Rekindle Your Writing Spark!” challenge. One of the prompts — “You know what to do” — led me to write a flash fiction piece starring a morally grey vampire and the woman he just turned. It was dark, sensual, and a little violent... and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

Somehow, this prompt collided with my ongoing obsession with Atsushi Sakurai (🖤) and my long-standing love for Anne Rice, and suddenly my brain was screaming:

“Why haven’t you written vampires before?!”

Even my husband was surprised.

At first, I envisioned it as a supernatural thriller with romantic undertones — a sort of “Dexter but with vampire lovers” vibe. But the more I developed the idea, the more I realised this story needed to be a romantasy — romance first, with rich gothic lore and emotionally devastating immortals (you know the kind 💅).

So, I made a decision:
No serialisation. No half-measures.
I’m treating this project — tentatively titled Kiss Me After the Kill — as my next full-length novel.

It’s still early days, but I’m feeling inspired and oddly at peace. Maybe it’s because I’m finally writing what feels most me — fantasy romance, infused with sensual darkness and personal catharsis. And yes, plenty of blood.

I also gave my website a spooky-season makeover (the banner even matches my hair!), and I’m planning to release my spicy snow-elf short, A Winter’s Kiss, in December — more on that soon.

If you want the full scoop — including the flash fic that started it all, how I’m adapting my writing process for my ADHD brain, and a peek behind the scenes of my current projects — the full post is now live on my main blog!

👉 Read the full post here
("Bitten by the Muse: How a Flash Fic Prompt Sparked a Vampire Romance" — includes exclusive writing updates, creative musings, and all the fanged vibes.)

Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter too — the next issue is going out soon with:

💌 An exclusive preview of Kiss Me After the Kill
🖥️ Digital goodies (wallpapers, quotes, trackers)
🩸 And more gothic romantasy chaos!

'Til next time, stay creative — and a little bit unhinged.

T.T.F.N. (Too Theatrical for Normalcy)

Writing, ADHD & Funtimes

 Greetings Readers!

It's been a while since I wrote an update post, for various reasons. Partly because so far, August has been filled with lots of fun times outside of the house.

My oldest child and their partner visited for a week, and we went bowling and did some other fun family activities, including visiting the Kenji Store. It's described as 'Modern Asian culture with a British twist,' and sells everything from snacks, to journals, to homeware. Needless to say, I always spend a fortune when I go there. This past time I went, I bought some enamel pins, and realized my collection is getting quite big now!

Bonus picture of me posing with the cute anime-style figure in the Kenji store.

Then, this past Monday, I met up with fellow authors-turned-friends Karen Sanders and Clare Bentley. An excellent time was had all around, and plans were made for the author group Karen runs -- Write Here, Write Now.

You've probably heard me mention the group before, and I will be doing a spotlight post this coming Monday. But while me, Karen and Clare B. were together on Monday, we made plans for the 'Olympics' themed activities for September, as well as discussing promotion for the forth-coming Christmas anthology.

Speaking of the anthology -- I've changed what I'm writing for it. (Twice!). Originally, I was going to write a Josain Jovenne short, but the idea just didn't fit with where Josain is as a character since working on her main story.

Then I conceived an idea about a snowman that comes to life and turns into a sexy elf. I do love that idea, and might still write it as a one-shot/ freebie type thing, time pending.

But I remembered a story I started a few years ago, about an older couple, on the brink of separating, who agree to spend one last Christmas together as a family with their three children, and then they get snowed in. I re-read what I'd previously written, and I love the story, so that's the one I'm going with for the WH,WN Chirstmas anthology.

We'll see if Frosty The Snow-Elf gets a story of his own too ... I have three other stories or partial stories I need to complete before the end of the year, and those are my priority.

Speaking of stories ... I *think* I've finished The Adventures of Josain Jovene. At just over 30k words. The story really got away from me, but I love how it's turned out. It's put some additional things nicely in place for The Starlight Prince. Now I just have to move a few scenes around, work on edits and it should be ready to share with my mailing list subs soon.

Then I need to work on the three projects I alluded to above ... There's the WH, WN Christmas anthology piece which is 15k words maximum and due October 22, the first 25k for a sorcerer-themed collection with StoryTellerPublisher22 that's due at the end of the year, and of course, the continuation of the Starlight Prince. The release date for that is 25 February 2025, but I want to allow my editor enough time to work on it too.

I know that sounds like a lot. It is a lot. But I have planned a schedule, and I'm confident if I focus and write 5000 words a week, I can meet all the various deadlines ... which will be easier said than done with Dragon Age coming out on October 31, but maybe I can reward myself for X amount of words with X hours of playtime.

Speaking of milestones in November, I will have my ADHD assessment! The email that I could book my assessment came through almost a year to the day since my referral was received by psychiatry-uk and I was added to their system. The first available appointments were in November, which I expected. What I didn't expect was the choice of psychiatrists. There were at least five per day available and at first, the choice was a little overwhelming. But I found someone who specializes in women's mental health, ADHD in women, and PMDD, making them a perfect fit for me. Now I just have to stop worrying until November. And of course, after the assessment, if I do have ADHD (which I'm 90% sure I do) I will have to through titration for medication, which can take several months. Still, progress is being made. 

I will have to check in with my GP about the gynaecologist referral for PMDD because it's been a few months and I haven't heard anything … but I’ll take one thing at a time and *try* not to overload myself.

I’m also planning on making other health changes. My weight is starting to bother me … or more accurately, I don’t want to die young due to weight-related issues. I am not putting all this time and effort into getting help with ADHD and PMDD, only to keel over from a heart attack or something. 

So, from September, hubby and I will be dieting again, as we know we will have more success if we do it together. (ADHD buddy system folks!). Tomorrow, we’re going out and we’re going to get smartwatches to track our calories and sleep, and some weights. We already have an exercise bike, and I want to be a ‘muscle mommy’ so we’re alternating weights and cycling 2 times a week from September.

Wish us luck!

I think that’s everything I have for now, but there might be some changes to the blog going forward … As I mentioned previously, I don’t always have posts/ ideas for ‘Favourites Friday’ and while I do LOVE the ‘Memorable Monday’ posts, I only have three more in mind. Plus, I want to make sure my focus is on my novels, not blog content. At the same time, I don’t want to fall into the habit of only posting when I have promos to share, so I will *try* to update at least once a month, hopefully more.

That said, I have some promos and swaps coming tomorrow, and I have a few more ‘Memorable Monday’ posts planned so posts will be more frequent than once a month for a little longer. 

Okay, I’m really going now! lol I want to work on the revisions of The Adventures of Josain Jovene. I need to move some scenes around and I want to check in on the editing suggestions Clare B has made (bless her heart).

Until next time, take care & stay creative.

T.T.F.N

 

 

 

ADHD Brains Are Wacky

Hello!

If you've been a follower of my blog for any amount of time, you will know by now that I have a habit of announcing something, doing it for a few months, stopping, and vanishing. Rinse and repeat.

We're only three months into the year, and already I feel like I've changed my plans and goals a million times!

If it's confusing for you, how do you think it feels to be *me*?

I'm *trying* to be more consistent, or at least, I'm trying not to over-share/ over-promise on things I later go back on. It's tough, you know.

It isn't helped by the fact I believe I also have PMDD (think PSM on steroids, where you hate *everything*.) And yes, I know it seems like I have a bunch of health issues. Because I *do* have a bunch of health issues. And I'm not going to stop talking about them. They're part of me, but also, I hope that by sharing, I can help others who are experiencing similar things by letting them know they're not alone.

Anyway, as I was saying, this year already feels like a bunch of changes in direction. The problem is, when I make these blogs, I mean everything I say at the time. I can't help it that I feel differently a few weeks or months later.

And don't tell me *not* to share my excitement for a new project/ idea/ what-have-you, because that's like asking me not to breathe! :P

Along with ADHD and PMDD comes a fluctuating motivation/ desire for all things writing-related. Sometimes I can't ever imagine *not* writing. I eat, sleep, breathe, writing. 

Then *bam* I'm over it. I can't even bear looking at the computer. I'm never writing again.

It's infuriating and has caused me a lot of heartache. I want to do the things I say I'm going to do and live without regret for the things I didn't do.

I don't want to look back on my life in a year, five years, ten years ... and think "Oh, I wish I had done more of this. Or less of this."

Writing is a BIG part of that. I don't want to think I'm never going to release another book. But I'm also very aware of the times I've spoken about a project, started serializing a new novel idea, etc. and then just *stopped*. 

My poor PC is like a graveyard of half-finished stories. And 90% of them I do love and want to go back to in the future. It's just that, like I said, ADHD Brains Are Wacky.

I know this post is long and rambly, but what I am trying to say, I guess, is don't give up on me. Please. Don't forget about me and my stories. Even if I don't always deliver on my promises. 

Until next time. Take care, and keep reading and writing.

T.T.F.N.

Plans and Musings

I thought a follow-up to my last update was required, so here it is.

I started ADHD coaching, and it's going great. My coach is so insightful, and I'm trying to make changes already. I know I've got a way to go, but I feel like I'm making positive steps.

I also heard back from the referral for an assessment, and I'm now in their system, so I imagine I'll be hearing back again in February-March. It's a long wait, but it is what it is.

I'm still waiting on a few other things to help support people with their mental health so they can get back to work, so we will see how that goes.

Overall though, I am feeling SO much better. I feel like a dark cloud has been lifted from over me, and now I see the future stretching out before me.

So, what does that mean both for my literary career and writing?

Well, I'm starting a proofreading course today, with the aim of launching a proofreading business in the new year.

I've done a little proofreading before and loved it. I feel like it will be a good use of my skills, and also fit in with my interests. 

I've decided to go the self-employed route (rather than applying to publishers etc.) because I want control. One thing I realized is that part of why ghostwriting wasn't working for me anymore was because I didn't have enough control. 

Hopefully with some changes to my routine and mentality, and skills learned in coaching, I can build a successful business while maintaining a better work-life balance, and not end up burned out.

Writing-wise, I'm working on a paranormal romance that I'm really enjoying. I have a vague plan for how the rest of the story goes, so I'm writing happily and seeing where the story takes me.

The story is actually set in the Ancile universe, and that's been making me think a lot about Liches, Legends, and Love. I very much want to finish the story, but I'm wondering if I should work on re-writing it so that it's a paranormal romance, rather than a contemporary fantasy with romantic elements so that it's more in line with my current WIP.

Another question I keep coming back to is what will I do with the story(ies) once they're finished. I'm *trying* to live in the moment, and just enjoy writing, but my mind inevitably goes to "what comes next?"

I LOVE serial web fiction, but it seems not everyone else does, as Liches only had one regular reader. Part of me wondered if it was genre-related, but I was posting to genre-specific sites, like Royal Road, so who knows.

I'm tempted to give serials one last try on Inkett and Ream, but I'd LOVE some feedback.

Who here reads online web fiction? If so, what draws you to a story?

Has anyone published a successful online web fiction? If so, what tips and tricks do you have for me?

That's all I have for today, and lunchtime is almost over, so it's time for me to get into work mode.

I'd love to hear if you've got any news you'd like to share with me.

Until next time.

Stay safe, and keep writing.

August 2020 Update

It's been a while, and I have some free time right now, so I thought an update was in order.

How is everyone doing? I hope you're all well in these strange times. If you ever need someone to talk to, know you can always get in touch with me on here or social media. 

I'm doing surprisingly well, given the state of the world. Of course, there are some worries (my son goes back to school soon, and I have older relatives who're 'high risk') but mostly, things are good.

Read on to know what's being going on in my world for the last couple of months ...

Am I Insane?

 The answer to that question is probably. 

When it comes to writing I love a little pressure. 

Write 50k of a novel in 30 days? No problemo. 

Blog every day of April, with each post being based on a letter of the alphabet? Easy peasy.

Come up with a (maximum) 8, 000 word fantasy short story in five days? Challenge accepted.