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Clare's Friday Update!

Clare Lydon <mail@clarelydon.co.uk>

May 30, 12:15 pm

Football heaven, new writing, Jae's Pride calendar and your book recommendations!  ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Welcome to another week in the life of a romance writer, but this time around, you'll be pleased to hear I've got a little more pep in my step! I've made some big decisions with regards to what I'm writing, and I'm feeling a lot clearer about the rest of my year. Plus, I got to spend five days in glorious Lisbon sunshine, and that always makes life better, right?

Five Things From My Week:

  1. Office Odyssey: After nine months of writing from my flat (where The Princess Match was born), I've discovered the transformative power of coworking spaces in a bid to up my focus and creativity. While everyone else works from home, I'm going gloriously against the grain.
  2. Lisbon Luxury: Complete switch-off achieved in gorgeous Lisbon! Sunshine, stunning architecture, divine food and drink, plus the warmest welcome - exactly what this knackered writer needed. Consider me thoroughly rejuvenated and ready to tackle my next book.
  3. Reader Revelations: Writing's a solitary job, so reader emails warm my heart - but meeting readers in person? Pure magic. Two Arsenal fans spotted me at the Champions League celebrations and made my weekend by saying hello. Hi Klara and Katie if you're reading!
  4. Trophy Triumphs: What a footy month it's been! Watching Spurs Men finally lift silverware with the Europa League title, then seeing Arsenal Women claim the Champions League in person (along with my wife's pure joy) - this is why I love the beautiful game. Football sometimes gets a bad rep, but it has the power to unite and provide moments of uplifting bliss.
  5. Princess Pinnacle: The Princess Match is still reigning supreme at number one globally and selling like absolute hot cakes! The love and support you've shown has been overwhelming. I'm beyond grateful that Ash and Victoria's story continues to capture hearts worldwide.

What am I working on? I've made a big decision and decided to scrap my safari book for now as it wasn't working. Sometimes, you have to go with your gut. But the good news? I now have two ideas burning a hole in my head. Which all goes to show that taking time out of your schedule to really think and getting a change of scenery can bring what you want into ultra-sharp focus. I know what I'm writing for the rest of the year now, which is a relief. I better get on with it, eh?

What am I reading? I just finished a couple of wildly different books, but both enjoyable: To Autumn by Katie Hall, and Strap In by Lou Morgan (out in Aug). The first is a gentle (and very British) YA coming-of-age read packed with nostalgia and family secrets. The second is an ultra-spicy romance with a super-prickly ice-queen lead. Both are new voices in the sapphic world, and both are well worth a read! If you need a recommendation, you can check out my longer list of recommended queer reads by clicking here.

When is The Princess Match Audiobook Out? It's close. I was hoping to get it up on platforms this week, but there's been a slight delay at the studio. However, Katy Sobey's ace narration will be worth the wait. Keep watching the socials for the official launch blast.

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!

Jae's Pride Month Calendar: For Pride Month, 100+ authors of sapphic fiction have joined forces so that every day for the whole of June, you get a free ebook, a book giveaway, or a book on sale. The grand finale will even feature 75 books!
Sign up for the daily reminder emails and enter a giveaway to win one of 24 book gift cards: https://jae-fiction.com/pride-month-book-calendar/

New Italian Translation: A Taste Of Love has been magicked into Italian, now called Un Assaggio D'amore. Go check it out here.

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: where do you get your book recommendations? Thanks so much for all your answers. Here are a select few...

Chris says: “I get my book recommendations mainly from the I ♥ Sapphfic newsletter, as well as groups I subscribe to on social media. Lately, I read authors that I know and love, with a few new ones for good measure.”

Bonnie says: “My book recommendations are totally from blurbs on Kindle Unlimited. I’ve had a subscription almost from the beginning. I have favorite authors I’ll read no matter what (Clare Lydon)! I look for quirky, funny, sexy, beautiful women being thus. I read every night before sleep, and often my iPad and iPhone bruise my face when I doze off!”

Kelly says: “I usually listen to Jae or you for recommendations. I love Jae’s Christmas countdown boxes. Also, Audible has lots of great suggestions.”

Judy says: “I join Jae's Book Bingo and the I Heart Sapphic Challenge every year so I get a ton of recommendations through their websites. I also get newsletters from several authors, including yours, and I always check out all the books recommended by the authors. I still remember when we only saw three or four books a year being published. Now it amazes me how many authors and books there are to choose from.”

Shani says: “The best recommendation for any book is the name of the author on the cover. If I love someone's writing, I'm happy to read everything they write. On the other hand, it means I rarely waste time giving second chances to authors I didn't like. My time is precious and my budget is limited, so I have to prioritise.”

This week's question: This week's question: let's have a bit of fun. Who was your first celebrity crush? Bonus points if they're queer. My first was probably Olivia Newton John in Grease. Those leather trousers! I was also in love with Louise Wener and Justine Frischman in the Britpop era: leather jacket + guitar = swoon! Hit reply and tell me who you fell for and why. I'd love to know!

That's it from me. This weekend, we're out for dinner and drinks with friends Friday and Saturday, and then continuing our football odyssey, we're going to Wembley on Sunday to see the mighty Sarfend United FC take on Oldham in the National League Playoff final. Come on the Shrimpers! Whatever you're doing, I hope it's filled with friends, football and love.

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

Love,

Clare. xxx

ps - Don't forget to hit reply and tell me your queer celebrity crush. I'd love to know!

Latest Book: The Princess Match

Latest Translation: Un Assaggio D'Amore

Visit My Web Shop & Buy Direct!

Listen to one of my audiobooks with Audible US or Audible UK



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