Quarterly Wrap Up | July - September 2026

Reading

This quarter has predominantly involved re-reads - either to get me out of a reading slump or as preparation for new books in a series coming out. But it's actually been really nice to re-read a lot because I've been so focused on outlining my new book that I didn't necessarily have the brain space for taking in new worlds or characters.

Here were some of my favourites...

The Covenant series - Jennifer L. Armentrout (Re-read)

This is one of my all-time series and a big reason as to why I fell in love with Greek mythology as a kid. Most people had Percy Jackson, I had Alexandria Andros. This is such a fun series and I think Alex's character development across all five books is maybe my favourite of any character because the way she matures is so subtle and beautiful. If you compare book one Alex to book five Alex, she's a completely different person but it's so seamless across the whole series.

Deep End - Ali Hazelwood (Re-read)

Deep in my reading slump, I just needed a book that I knew I loved. Naturally, I could've picked any single one of Ali Hazelwood's books because they are all spectacular but I reached for Deep End. It was exactly what I needed to get me out of my slump.

"From the very start, you had all the power. From the very start, I was in the palm of your hand." - Deep End, Ali Hazelwood

The Stonewater Kingdom duology - Rachel Gillig

I started with a re-read of The Knight and the Moth and then jumped straight into The Knave and the Moon which was so much fun! I think the main highlight of the books for me is Bartholomew. He's hilarious but also has such wise and meaningful moments that it's hard not to adore him.

“I am Bartholomew’s squire. Wherever she is, my home is there too.” - The Knave and the Moon, Rachel Gillig

Anxious People - Fredrik Backman (re-read)

This has been my all-time favourite book ever since I first read it a few years ago. I've always been kind of nervous to give it a re-read because I was worried I wouldn't enjoy it as much as the first time but I can safely say that was not the case.

This is a book I would recommend to literally everyone. It is uplifting, poignant and full of so much humour. Anxious People is like a warm hug and it's honestly just genius writing. I will never tire of this story.

"Boats that stay in the harbor are safe, sweetheart, but that's not what boats were built for." - Anxious People, Fredrik Backman

Writing

This quarter has really reignited my writing efforts and I couldn't be more excited. I'm finally feeling more productive and am making great strides on two different projects.

The Storyteller's Collection - Beta reader feedback has started to trickle in and it's been an amazing experience. I've received so much love and lots of really constructive feedback that I can use to start making the final tweaks to my manuscript! Reading beta feedback is a nerve-wracking thing because you never know what you're going to get. You're trying to prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario while hoping for the best-case scenario. I'm so fortunate to have received such positive feedback and have beta readers that are so enthusiastic and excited by this story. It has brought my spark back for this story after not working on it for ages and now I'm pumped to go back in, make final edits, and then start the self-publishing process in order to get this puppy out next year!

Unnamed project - While Storyteller continues on the backburner, I have officially started outlining my next project. I am working with my book coach, Andrea (@awriterstales) who is the most wonderful person ever and an absolute life-saver when it comes to outlining. I'm not a massive fan of outlining but working with Andrea to bounce ideas back and forth and wrestle over all the logistics has been a lot of fun. This book is my most ambitious story to date and is going to challenge me in a lot of ways but I love this cast of characters so much and can't wait to jump into the first draft soon.

Everything else

Life continues to be super hectic but I was able to go to the Lake District at the start of September which offered a nice break and chance to get away from everything. I, of course, brought my laptop with me so I could do some writing and going to a new, peaceful place was so helpful for my creativity.

I also became obsessed with a good few movies and shows this quarter. I always think that consuming lots of media - whether that be books, movies, shows, podcasts, news - is a great way to generate creativity and inspiration. And that was certainly what I was trying to do these last few months.

I absolutely loved going to the cinema to see The Odyssey and the new Spiderman movie. I also became binge-watched the entire season of Sterling Point and fell in love. I really liked the focus on sibling relationships and girlhood, as well as a love triangle where both options kinda make sense and could work. Another show I fell in love with this quarter was Adults - I love a good sitcom and it's great to start being at an age where the protagonists are my age and suffering trials and tribulations that feel relatable. Adults had me laughing out loud every single episode and, honestly, we need to bring back shows with 22 episodes per season because 8 episodes is just not enough.

Next quarter

My main goal for the next quarter is to finish outlining my next book and start the first draft! It feels like a long time coming and I'm nervous/excited to start writing properly again.

What are you plans and top books to read before the year comes to a close?