Clare's Friday Update!

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Greetings from Lydon HQ, where it's a gorgeous sunny day in the capital: yes, even warm enough to put my washing on the line! This week contained my birthday, and it kicked off brilliantly when Spurs women won their second game of the season. Wonders! On the actual day, I had a gorgeous sunny river walk, then met friends for a celebratory dinner. My sister also came over, took me shopping and bought me some dead-posh hand cream: essential kit for writers. My wife's currently in Oz, and this was the first birthday I've spent apart from her since we met. But you know what? I felt very loved by my friends and family, so I'm filing it under 'win'.

Five Things From My Week:

1. Edit Queen: After what's felt like forever, this week I finally sent Not Part Of The Plan off to the editor, a huge relief. This year's had a lot of obstacles standing in the way of my writing, so to get my second book of 2025 closer to the finish line was a triumph. Now the countdown's on until it gets released: November 5th on my web shop. You can pre-order here.
2. West End Wow: I'm on a roll with seeing West End productions, and last week I went to see Sue Perkins in Every Brilliant Thing. The play centres around the little things in life that mean so much, and even though it's a play about suicide and depression, you walk out feeling thoroughly uplifted. If you're in London, go!
3. Souper Duper: It's definitely the season for roasting and blitzing ingredients, and I kicked mine off by making a big pot of roasted pepper and tomato soup this week. There's nothing quite so pleasing on a crisp autumn day than a bowl of home-made soup. Bonus points for a hunk of home-made sourdough. I bought mine, so minus points for me...
4. Present Imperfect: I received a Moonpig gift box for my birthday, and saved it beside my bed for the morning. I assumed it held a card and some kind of edible gift. Plot twist: it was a plant. With soil. Which immediately staged a dramatic escape all over my pristine duvet, turning my bed into an impromptu garden centre. Admirably, I did not cry. The day could only get better from there!
5. Bookstore Bliss: I spent one morning this week in my local Waterstones, simply browsing books. I don't do this in real life nearly enough. Stroking books, reading blurbs, holding them, sniffing them. It's life-affirming, isn't it? To some, those two sentences might appear odd. But I know I'm in good company with you. You understand. I bought some to add to my collection, obviously.

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What am I working on? My upcoming sapphic romance, Not Part Of The Plan, is with the editor. Crack out the prosecco and let's do a congaline through the streets! The final stages of editing were brutal, and included working on my birthday: yikes! However, it was worth it. I'm cautiously thinking it's kind of okay now, which means next week I'll be sure it's awful. But that's the rollercoaster of launching a book. Still, I sorta miss the characters now I haven't had them in my life for a few days. That's always a good sign. I hope you like the cover, too!

Not Part Of The Plan Pre-Order: Enemies-to-lovers second-chance romance? If that sounds like your bag, click to order your ebook or paperback copy!

What am I reading? I'm still reading my sapphic hockey romance (Like A Power Play) and honestly, it's brilliant. I will do a review once I finish, which will be this weekend because I'm going to sit and finish it during daylight hours. The problem is I keep reading in bed and falling asleep within two pages. Hence it's slow going. But this book is a corker. You can check out my longer list of recommended queer reads by clicking here.

Would you write me a review on my web shop? For any book of mine you've read. Reviews are important to new readers who might take a chance on me. Also, they make my shop look like a proper grown-up shop, which I very much like!

New to my books? If that's you, hello! Also, you're in luck: I created a special page on my website so you don't feel lost. I have 27 novels to dive into. Go here for your next sapphic read! ​

Last time's question: Last time I asked: what's your favourite setting for a book, and is there a setting you wish someone would write? Thanks so much for all your answers. Here are a select few...

Jess says: "I love outdoorsy stuff. Hiking, camping, etc. Only one tent? Yes please! I also love if one of the women have a dog who joins them on their adventures."

Gooselaneptown says: "Being an American I love all my UK books. As for where, I like the funeral parlor idea. Sounds like a good new location." Sarah agrees: "I like your funeral home suggestion. I remember reading a Cara Malone novel that was set in a morgue and that was quite interesting!"

Kimberlee says: "I’d be up for the cattle ranch setting, save a horse, ride a cowgirl! I enjoy outdoor adventures and pretty scenery that reminds me of places I’ve been on my travels." Jo agrees: "Cowgirls on a ranch, lying under the stars, eyes meeting over a camp fire."

Mireille says: "With the Rugby World Cup in your neck of the woods, I’d love more sapphic romances on the rugby pitch. There are plenty of out and proud players. Let’s get some fictional representation too." Noreen concurs: "My favorite setting is a sports pitch, field, court, rink, just about anything. I've been absolutely delighted by the increase in sapphic sports romances over the last few years."

Jo says: "London! I enjoy reading about the sapphic women of the British Isles. Also, I love the accents when I listen to the audiobooks later."

Mary says: "As an old lady still pretty new to Spec Fic and fantasy, I find myself really loving alternate worlds and the authors who build them. I'm always thrilled when a writer takes me somewhere strange but fully fleshed out."

Jessica says: "I am a sucker for the small-town romance. City girl visits small town and falls in love with the small town and the (insert love interest). It’s my favorite!"

This week's question: I normally read in bed, but lately, as soon as I get into bed, I just keep falling asleep. That's good news for my rest, bad for my reading. Maybe I need to change up my habits and read somewhere else. What's your favourite place to read? What's the strangest place you've read? Hit reply and tell me. I'd love to know!

That's it from me. Tonight, I'm off to see Spurs Women against Man City. I have tepid hopes, but then I remember Citeh have Bunny Shaw. Thoughts and prayers. Tomorrow I'm out for dinner with friends, then on Sunday, I'm seeing Matt Haig in conversation with Annie Mac. Whatever you're doing, I hope it's filled with hearty soup, football, and books that make your heart sing.

Until next time, thanks for your support & happy reading!

Love,

Clare. xxx

ps - Don't forget to hit reply and tell me your favourite place to read, or the weirdest you've done so. I'd love to know!

pps - Pre-order my upcoming romance, Not Part Of The Plan, by clicking here!

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