Dear reader,
It’s been a few weeks! My life has been in a state of upheaval due to a big change in my work situation. But I’m happy to report that the dust is settling, and I’m feeling better about the new setup compared to what it was originally.
The main difference is that instead of juggling two part time jobs, I’m now working more hours at just one of them to make up the difference. I’m still mainly working from home, but I’ve also been asked to come in to the workplace more often. Fortunately, it’s in walking distance from my house, and it’s based on a beautiful university campus, which I love. I like to come early before my shift to do two hours of writing at the university library. The library is huge, with five levels and tons of quiet study spots. The only downside is that the air con is freezing in there, so I have to bundle up even when it’s boiling outside!
On top of that job, I’m also about to start freelance editing work on the side. I love helping other writers improve their stories.
As for my own writing, I’m still on track to publish my book in August. I’m about to get stuck into the next round of edits. Wish me luck.
The other update is that a trip to Melbourne is on the cards later this year. I’m excited since I haven’t had a holiday since 2021. Lots of writing in cafes, browsing in shops we don’t have in NZ, and I’ll possibly see a theatre show.
So, all in all, things are looking up!
-Sara
Coming soon: Clashing with the CEO
Link roundup
📚Book world news and views from around the web
Sexily ever after: how romance bookstores took over America [The Guardian]
Five years ago, there was just one. Now bookshops exclusively stocking romance novels are everywhere – aiming to ‘undo generations of shame’
Your guide to New Zealand fantasy romance novels coming in 2024 [The Spinoff]
If you like a side of magic with your romance, this round-up of homegrown fantasy romance books out this year is for you.
What is Horromance? [Book Riot]
At first blush, readers who rely on happy endings might not seem to overlap much with readers who wish to be scared. But both kinds of books have roots in similar traditions. And there are readers craving both, myself included!
Why half the people you know are obsessed with this book series [Vox]
As BookTok goes, so goes publishing. The community of TikTokers who make videos about their favorite books is one of the only forces actively driving book sales in a contracting market — and right now, BookTok has a new favorite genre.
Why are we all so obsessed with book clubs now? [Dazed]
In years gone by, the phrase “book club” might have conjured up images of middle-aged women congregating in dusty, musty rooms, swigging sauv blanc and giggling over Fifty Shades of Grey, but times are changing.