-
Autumn and Winter book releases (October – December)
There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to cosy up with a good book, wrapped in a blanket with a plate of salted caramel cookies, especially after a cold, crisp walk through the woods. So, naturally, I’ve been looking ahead at all the books I’ll want to get my hands on this autumn and winter. Here’s my list of anticipated reads coming out between October and December 2026 — from cosy romances and magical adventures to thrillers, thought-provoking memoirs and emotional stories about friendship and family. Now I just need to decide which ones are making it onto the pre-order list… Call Off The Dark by…
-
The Traveller – a poem
-
Beautiful Things
I have found that the world is full of magic, curiously, beautiful things. The first kiss of tea on my tongue, as my dosy head rises with the sun. The damp smell of thunderstorm moss, and my socks and sandals covered feet walk across – the scattered leaves, hair whipping in the breeze. How lucky are we, to live amongst Autumn coloured trees. To breath the air that my ancestors bear. To see candyfloss swirled skies, with my very own wonderous eyes. How lucky are we, to have tummies that can hold a million butterflies, at the sight of a full moon, or bugs leaving cocoons. Seriously, how killer, is…
-
Writing prompt – responding to a piece of art.
How funny, to see the flowers hanging from the ceiling, the sun spread outlike a carpet of red and yellow swirls, scattered with little balls of fluff. Someone really ought to hoover those up. And when did ants grow wingsand take to nesting in trees, those little homesthat dangle from muddy branches, scattered with red and orange confetti? How strange the world looksfrom up here, as I sit quietlyupon my perch, licking my wings. – Notes from Dracula I went in search of a writing prompt to inspire a poem, and found one that simply said: respond to a piece of art. I looked up. Hanging from my living room…
-
How to spend a day in Stratford-upon-Avon
Good food, cosy pubs, riverside walks and a little bit of old-world charm… what more could you want from a day out for a Birthday adventure? While Stratford-upon-Avon may be best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, I’ll admit that Shakespeare isn’t exactly my bag. Instead, on my day in this charming Warwickshire town, I was much more interested in discovering its foodie spots, cosy pubs, independent gems and the more whimsical things there are to see and do. And that’s exactly what I found. Between wandering along the River Avon, stopping for a bite to eat, discovering a few hidden gems and raising a glass or two along…
-
Caring Out Loud: Giving Unpaid Carers a Voice Through Podcasting
In 2025, I was over the moon to secure funding on behalf of Get Wise as part of Hconnect, funded by the Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF) to deliver a podcast project with unpaid carers across Derbyshire, with Derbyshire Carers. I had never worked with carers before, and I was excited to meet a new community, learn from their experiences, and better understand the realities of unpaid caring. Little did I know I was about to meet some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. The aim of the project was to create a podcast series, but it was about so much more than producing episodes. This…
-
Summer book releases (July – September) that I’m adding to the TBR.
There are some incredible books coming out this summer, and I’ve been so excited putting this list together. From emotional reads that will probably have me reaching for tissues, to twisty thrillers perfect for the stickiest of heatwaves, it feels like there’s something for every kind of reading mood. I can already picture these books being read in all the best summer settings – by the sea with salty fingers turning pages, curled up by the fire as the sun sets, or tucked into the shade during those long, hazy afternoons, under my favourite tree in the park. Here are some of the books I cant wait to read, that…
-
Shared Reading – a Podcast with Derby Book Festival
I’ve been a little quiet on the sound-project front lately… but behind the scenes I’ve been working on a few exciting things. One of the projects I’m especially proud to finally share is the Shared Reading podcast with Derby Book Festival. As some of you may already know, I previously worked with Derby Book Festival as the Strategic Lead of Shared Reading, so this project is incredibly close to my heart. I truly believe in the work these groups do and the impact they have on people’s lives. Shared Reading is all about bringing people together through literature. These sessions are designed to help ease feelings of isolation and support…
-
My Most Anticipated Book Releases of Spring (April – June)
Spring is the perfect season for a sprinkling of romance, days spent under cherry blossoms, some translated fiction, and books that pair beautifully with garden reading, growth, pops of colour, and picnics. It’s always such an exciting time for new releases, and this year I’ve already spotted some titles I can’t wait to dive into – from dark twists and feminist rage to forest-set fairytales and addictive romances. Here are the book releases I’m looking forward to in Spring. Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell Expected 2nd April 2026 On the edge of a forest, lonely Rory’s only companion is Daye – a girl woven from flowers and words – whose very…
-
Books I’m already desperate to read: early 2026 releases
How are we already at the end of 2025?! I honestly can’t wrap my head around it. It feels like no time at all since I was writing up my most anticipated reads of 2025, and yet here we are again. I’ve been doing what I do best — watching endless bookish YouTube videos, scrolling Bookstagram, reading blogs, and saving so many upcoming releases that my TBR is already trembling. With an especially exciting batch of books coming out in the first few months of 2026, I simply had to put together a list… because if I’m going to be impatiently waiting for these books, I might as well do…
