I felt very burnt out at the beginning of Novel November so I quickly gave myself permission not to aim to write 50,000 words. Instead, I have other creative commitments that should be taking my precious energy. And that's okay! If you, like me, have limited energy right now or other projects in progress this… Continue reading Novel November Done Differently: How to Take Part in Your Own Way
Tag: books
Reviewing My Anti-Brainrot Challenge Stats: Will I Complete All 23 Prompts?
At the beginning of 2026, I joined This Story Ain't Over's Anti-Brainrot Challenge, where we challenge ourselves to read more diversely and critically. In this post, I wanted to go through each of the 23 categories to see which books I read that fulfilled the prompt and which ones I have left. Anti Brain Rot… Continue reading Reviewing My Anti-Brainrot Challenge Stats: Will I Complete All 23 Prompts?
Women in Translation Month: Translated Books for Your TBR
It's Women in Translation Month this August so I wanted to share translated books (of all genders) that I've read, want to read, or are on my radar. It's important to read translated books because we can't all afford to travel around the world (though if you can, do!). Books are a unique way to… Continue reading Women in Translation Month: Translated Books for Your TBR
Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag 2026
It's July, so we're already half way through 2026! Where has the time gone? Though, I'm sure we say this every year! I have only managed 26 books so far this year, and I'll picture my stats down below. I thought it would be fun to do the popular "mid-year book freakout tag" where you… Continue reading Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag 2026
Books for Pride Month: Honouring the LGBTQ+ Community
For each heading, I will recommend books I've read, ones I own but haven't read yet, and ones on my radar of interest. These book recommendations either feature main characters who are a part of the LGBTQ+ acronym, or the author is themselves. L - Lesbians Read: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil Girl,… Continue reading Books for Pride Month: Honouring the LGBTQ+ Community
Justifying book buying: owning more books than I’ll likely ever read
Fine, I admit it, I have bought a LOT of books in the last month or so since my no-buy at the start of 2026. Since my birthday, I've splurged! Firstly, intentionally, and then, it sort of just happened. Let me explain! I've visited charity shops a lot in April, due to my birthday, my… Continue reading Justifying book buying: owning more books than I’ll likely ever read
Reading Around the World: How Am I Doing?
Before you get overwhelmed, this is a LIFE-LONG challenge! No one is expecting you to read some 195 books this year, let alone one from every country. I want you to look at this as something you keep in mind every year until you can't read any longer! When thinking about your TBR or visiting… Continue reading Reading Around the World: How Am I Doing?
Book Review of Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng: Masterclass in Social Storytelling
I don’t often do book reviews on here but this book deserved more than just a YouTube short or snippet review on my StoryGraph. This book was a unique read for me. I've come to understand that I like horror novels but not your typical horror (haunted house, slasher, demons) but horror that says something.… Continue reading Book Review of Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng: Masterclass in Social Storytelling
Discovering My Reading Tastes ~ Literary Niches within Genres
I'm slowly but surely narrowing down my reading tastes so that I am able to source and read more books that are 4 stars or more, something I used to struggle with immensely. Defining my reading tastes has been pivotal and vital in my reading enjoyment. It's not enough to know you like a genre,… Continue reading Discovering My Reading Tastes ~ Literary Niches within Genres
Europe’s Largest Romance Bookstore: Thoughts on the genre, female friendship, and literary trends
The Spicy Librarian is the hottest new bookstore in Leamington Spa which had an outstanding opening weekend on Valentine's Day. It has been deemed Europe's Largest 18+ Romance Bookstore, which is incredible and speaks to a shift in the culture of reading. Being judged for reading romance I will admit that I have been a… Continue reading Europe’s Largest Romance Bookstore: Thoughts on the genre, female friendship, and literary trends
