Hello, lovely reader, it’s been a while! The year is flying by and I realised the other day it’s been a while since my last newsletter. Read on for a quick recap of the last few months, book recommendations and as always… cute cat photos!
Writing
As shared in previous newsletter updates, I have been querying Project Cruise. I’ve been grateful to have had a few full requests but ultimately those didn’t end up being the right fit. It’s early days still, so I’m continuing to send the book around and fingers crossed that it lands in the right inbox for someone ready for a super nerdy, sweet rom-com. This book is a lot of fun, and while querying is exhausting, I plan to keep it up for a while longer.
While querying, I’ve been continuing to write the first draft of Project GPO. This is a historical fantasy mystery, with a good helping of feminine rage and as always, a love story or two. This book is the most complex I’ve attempted to write, but I’m happy with how it’s progressing.
I’ve also begun rewriting a novel I wrote years ago (rereading your older writing is always a humbling experience…) it’s a romantasy mystery and I truly do love these characters…
Editing
Part of the reason for my quieter online presence the last few months is that I’ve continued to settle into my in-house role. I’m loving it! It’s more production-focused than previous roles, so I’m having a fantastic time.
As well as my part-time in-house role, I’ve been continuing to freelance. I love the mix of clients I get to work with and at the moment, it does feel like the best of both worlds to be in-house and freelance. Some highlights from the last few months include:
- Proofreading work for return clients.
- Author accountability coaching sessions to assist an author looking for support to finishing their first draft (spoiler, they finished it and are now revising! Watch this space).
- An author I worked with at the start of the year on a manuscript assessment has gone on to get a book deal! Keep your eyes out for The Threads That Bind Us coming from New Dawn Publishing in July 2026. It was an honour to be a small part of Helena’s writing and publishing journey with this book. I’m truly thrilled that these characters and this story will be out in the world for the rest of you to fall in love with as much as I did.
Reading & Resting
In July I had the delight of going along to the book launch of What Did I Miss? by Holly Brunnbauer. I attended with some of the members of the Saturday Writing Crew. Two of my manuscripts have been written in the company of these people, and I’m always grateful for a chance to catch up and chat all things writing and books!
The launch (like the book) was a wonderful time! It’s hilarious, and Holly is one of the most generous people in the author community.
Other reading highlights include:
- The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
- Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry. I recently started the audiobook of this romantasy and I’m having a great time so far!
I also recently saw the latest Superman movie and loved it! Smallville was one of my favourite shows as a teenager (still is) so this hit all the right notes for me.
Other restful activities have included joining a Pilates class and hanging out with loved ones.
Cat Corner
As promised…
What have you been reading recently?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Steph Huddleston 