Quarterly Wrap Up | April - June 2026

Reading

This quarter was a bit of a mix. I read a decent number of books in April and May and then I only read a single book in June.... a novella, at that. In my defense, I moved into my new flat, work and life was hectic and I was super busy with a lot of stuff so didn't really have time to sit and read.

Nevertheless, I read some great books so here are some of my favourites...

Two Can Play - Ali Hazelwood

I love everything Ali Hazelwood does, she just writes pure gold. This was a novella but, honestly, I would've loved to read an entire book with these characters. It was a classic rivals to lovers romance and I think a full-length book would've let us delve so much deeper into who the characters are as well as some of the side characters that didn't get nearly enough page time.

“I haven't thought about anything but you since the first time I saw you.” - Two Can Play, Ali Hazelwood

Our Infinite Fates - Laura Steven

This was such a fun concept and I was captivated from the very first page. I loved seeing all the different time periods and lives that these characters were living. I was a little underwhelmed by the ending (it had a trope that is often a dealbreaker for me) but it definitely deserves the hype it gets.

“Because that’s the thing about humans - we leave traces of our souls everywhere, as unique and identifying as fingerprints.” - Our Infinite Fates, Laura Steven

Love Song - Elle Kennedy

This definitely wasn't my favourite when it comes to the entire Briar U universe but it was still a fun book! Were the best moments the dad chat and the cameos from all the Off-Campus characters? Yes, but I'll allow it.

“I’m sort of scared of being known. Really known. Every time someone gets close, I feel this urge to run. Like I’d rather be alone than risk disappointing them when I’m not what they thought.” - Love Song, Elle Kennedy

Hot For Slayer - Ali Hazelwood

Much like before, I'm a sucker for anything Ali Hazelwood writes, even if it is just a short novella. I have such a soft spot for paranormal romance, especially vampires, and I really think it's having a resurgence in fiction which is so much fun.

“I might not remember my name, or anything about who I am. But I could never be near you and not know exactly what you are to me.”

Writing

Similarly, my writing progress has been embarrassingly minimal lately but, now that I've officially moved into my flat and have a nice new office room, I have no excuse not to actually use it and get some writing done.

The Storyteller's Collection - After a long break from this project, I just have a few tweaks to make before I start recruiting beta readers. I'm really hoping to start recruiting beta readers in July which is super exciting.

Unnamed project - While Storyteller continues on the backburner, I am officially ready to dive headfirst into my next project. I have a very very rough outline ready and know my main characters and their motivations. Now I just have to get all the details ironed out and I'm going to be working with my wonderful writing coach, Andrea, again which I'm beyond excited for. Andrea always helps to bring out my motivation and passion for a project and helps build my ideas to their full potential. Also I hate outlining and she loves it so she drags me through this part of the process perfectly!

Everything else

My life feels really hectic at the moment but I'm hoping it will finally settle now that I've moved out and I'm getting into a steady routine again. I've got lots of shows and events coming up that I'm super excited for and all the warm weather and bright mornings are definitely filling me with positivity and energy again!

Next quarter

I'm really hoping that the next three months will be a turning point for me this year. I've felt really stuck and like I've not made any real progress so far this year so I'm hoping to get things started up again. Although, I don't want to put too much pressure on myself. I want to ease myself back into things, especially writing and marketing The Age of Pandora a bit more.

There are also so many great books and movies coming out in the next few months that I can't wait for. The Knave and the Moon by Rachel Gillig is probably the book I'm looking forward to the most and there seems to be so many good movies coming out as well. I'm definitely one of those creators that loves to consume lots of media because it inspires me and makes me feel creative. So I can't wait for all the amazing things coming out soon.