January Wrap Up
And A Rebrand
Hi friends,
It’s 2025, and with the way social media is changing for the worse, I have decided that returning to putting my thoughts down here on Substack is a good move.
I am finding less and less joy in Instagram, my main social media app. It isn’t even the lack of engagement with my posts, which I will admit, has been abysmal, which makes me post less, and then I get seen less, and then I post less…
It’s the way it makes me feel. I’m not saying anything new here, so I will move swiftly on because all this is to say: I want to write more about myself, my thoughts, and this is the place I will return to do it.
I cannot guarantee it will be regular, or frequent, but I want to make space for myself here. A space that is different to where I write fiction.
As for the rebrand, while I loved Here and Queer, and it felt right at the time, I don’t feel I write enough about queerness to claim that title. Perhaps this is some internalised biphobia, but I don’t think so. I have lots of things I want to write about, and lots of things that hold me back. Hence, Writing Through It.
I am writing through it all because I need to put my words down even though the world is a scary, devastating place. I write even through my bipolar.
I write through it because I need to.
I hope you will continue to read and support me while I navigate what I want this space to be.
Something I loved about Here and Queer was my monthly wrap up. It was a space for me to share what I was reading, writing, watching and listening to. As I find myself moving away from social media, I think this will become important to me again.
So here we go.
Reading:
This month I didn't read much because I was on holidays in New Zealand and I don’t often read while travelling. I don’t know why, it’s just the way it is. So with that in mind, I only read four books during January.
Throne of Secrets (Prince of Sin book two) by Kerri Maniscalco - physical copy
This is the second book in the spin off series to Kingdom of the Wicked, called Prince of Sin. It was a solid four star read for me, starting off the year nicely. While I like my romantasy with a little more plot, it was fun and sexy.
The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom book one) by Danielle L Jensen - audiobook
Yes, audiobooks count as reading.
This romantasy series is blowing me away with its clever world-building and complex characters. The first book is a very strong start to the series. These audiobooks are available as part of the Plus Catalogue on Audible, and I absolutely recommend taking a chance on them.
The Traitor Queen (The Bridge Kingdom book two) by Danielle L Jensen - audiobook
So fast-paced that I kind of wished there had been some slower moments. The character arc and path to redemption are incredible though.
The Inadequate Heir (The Bridge Kingdom book three) by Danielle L Jensen - audiobook
I don’t want to give anything away of course, but if you love enemies to lovers as much as I do, then this is a series for you.
I can’t wait to read the rest of this emotionally and action-packed series.
Writing
I haven’t written a lot during January, with being away, but since I got home I’ve been dipping my toes back into my adult rom-com which I used to refer to as Pip and Lucy, but now has a title: Bean There, Done That.
It’s a queer romance set in a small town. It has second-chance romance, family dynamics, forty year old FMC’s, and spice.
I’m sitting just under 60,000 words on this manuscript, so the end is in sight. 2024 saw me have a rough time with the manuscript, stalling at 42,000 words. Late last year I joined a writing group and added thousands of words during the few short weeks I attended before the summer break.
Joining a writing group was worth overcoming my nerves and shyness. It helped me to overcome my block, and really focus. We meet once a week for two hours and write. There’s a bit of chat, but mostly it’s a space to work. There is something about sitting in a room with other people who are doing the same thing that makes me keep going.
I’ve also been working through the course material for the Australian Writer’s Centre Romance Writing Course, which is excellent. I’m on module 2 and it is really making me think about how I write romance (which I am fairly new to after 15 years of writing speculative fiction). I highly recommend checking their courses out.
Watching
I think I might ditch this category as I find myself pulling further and further away from watching television. Having said that, I did devour The Day of the Jackal when I was away in New Zealand. My fifteen-year-old daughter put it on and I got sucked in even though it was something I would never normally watch.
My to-watch list currently only includes season two of XO, Kitty which is a To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before spin off. It’s wonderfully cringe and angsty and I can’t wait to watch it.
Listening
My vinyl collection is slowly growing, and over the Christmas break I added some nostalgic faves to the shelves, including Avril Lavigne Let Go, Gwen Stefani Love Angel Music Baby and Red Hot Chilli Peppers Californication.
I love the intentionality of listening to vinyl. The physicality of fingertips searching spines, looking for the album that’s going to bring joy, or reflect sadness. It’s nice to have physical media again.
Thank you for reading this post friends. I really hope that over time I can build some connections here. Let me know if you have a Substack too— I would love to read it!
Steph xx
pictured below: the Avon in Christchurch, New Zealand.
