April 2023: Sunbeams and Clear Skies
This is a whirlwind month of wonderful things. I’ve recently come back from a trip to Northern Ireland which was gorgeous. Coming up: a wedding for some dance pals, a weekend getaway for a friend’s birthday, and some quality time with my in-laws who live abroad. I’m also going to be at London Book Fair in my capacity at Creative Scotland. I’m looking forward to catching up with publishing folk and attending author talks – if you’re around at the Fair, do say hello!
Pages: Writing
A few weeks back I had a wonderful time in Wales on a writing retreat working on the second draft of hijinks on the high seas! It was such a pleasure sharing space with other speculative authors, enjoying the delights of the sea, and hunkering down over tea with my manuscript. I had such an invigorating strategy call with my agent and I’m so excited for this novel! I’ve also submitted edits for both ‘Mango Heart’ and ‘Remain Nameless’ their respective anthology editors, with hopefully some more news to share on them soon.
Pages: Reading
Linghun by Ai Jiang
A poignant debut novella about grief, ghosts, and finding home and belonging. I wrote a review for The Skinny on Ai’s book, so you can read my full thoughts here: https://www.theskinny.co.uk/books/book-reviews/linghun-by-ai-jiang.
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
This was such a delight – queer, funny, and heartwarming. A romantic comedy with all the right tropes and some fantastic characters. Delilah Green left Bright Falls to pursue her dreams of being an artist in NYC and didn’t look back. When Delilah is hired to photograph her step-sister Astrid’s wedding, she has to confront secrets and mishaps in the hometown she thought she’d left behind forever. The audiobook was a dream – honestly, this was so cosy and cute and steamy and I’m so excited there’s spin-offs following other characters in the series. A new favourite!
Ascension by Nicholas Binge
When a mountain mysteriously appears in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a group of scientists are sent to investigate and discover what lies at the summit. Eminent scientist, explorer, and chronic loner Harry Tunmore is among those asked to join the secret mission. A mountain thriller with a delicious speculative element. There’s a fascinating frame narrative to this epistolary novel which adds to the surreal and disorientating element of the unreliable narration. I’m delighted to be chairing Nick’s Edinburgh laugh on April 27th, so please do join us for an in-depth discussion!
Off-Page: Events
I had a great time chairing a panel for Society of Young Publisher’s Scotland Conference – Skillseekers: Navigating the Rollercoaster World of Publishing. If you’re a ticket holder, you can catch up on the digital panel ‘What About the Fast Pass: Routes Into Publishing and Their Access Barriers‘.
I have the privilege of chairing two author pals this month and it’s honestly one of the loveliest things about the writing community!
The Grief Nurse by Angie Spoto Launch at Portobello Bookshop
April 13th, 7-8pm
In-person/digital
Ascension by Nicholas Binge Launch at Blackwells Bookshop
April 27th, 7-8pm
In-person
By popular demand, Nick’s event is moving to a larger nearby venue so keep an eye out if you initially missed out on tickets!
Until May, stay soft, light, slow,
Kat x