Happy Thursday, folks! Easter weekend is almost upon us, and while I have been on my two-week break from work, I have been busy engaging in all things writing and reading. I have begun reading a new novel, Mortal Coils: The Necromancer’s Apprentice, which the author Chris Durston gifted to me for free as an ARC reader. It’s a fascinating book and certainly not my usual type of read, but it has shown me not to assume I won’t like something based on the cover and a few words on the blurb.

I am about halfway through the book now. It’s fantasy and contemporary, and I assumed it would be dark, full of death and destruction. Yes, there are elements of this, but it also includes a bit of comedy, light-hearted conversation, and a variety of characters. While reading, I felt transported to Alice in Wonderland. It’s magical, and the premise of the book is promising. I like where it is going.

I have also been busy preparing and organising stock for my bookshelves for my new online venture. I am enjoying the satisfaction of creating the website and seeing my books and accessories all in one place. beccastormbooks.co.uk is finally a reality, and I have been actively marketing and promoting it to drive traffic to my site and hopefully intrigue readers with one of my books. If you have a moment, why not check it out?

Not forgetting my books, I have been writing the narrative for A Curse of Power and was happy to finally turn my attention back to crafting my novel. I am about 35,000 words into my first draft and have organised the remaining chapters, structuring and planning the themes and plot. Now, I just need to complete the writing! The idea of creating a Scottish fantasy novel with Celtic folklore, Scottish myths, and legends has been exciting. I have researched and developed some interesting characters, so I hope my readers will be drawn into Aelba and the Fae of the Summer Kingdom when my book is released.

Family time has been significant, and we have celebrated a couple of birthdays over the last two weeks. It has been fun, and there has been a lot of celebrating. It’s also nice to enjoy quality family time with our extended family. I have eaten so much cake that I feel ready to burst, and with Easter just around the corner, there will undoubtedly be more chocolate and sweet treats on the horizon. I’m not complaining, but I do have a summer holiday to prepare for! We have our usual two-week trip planned for July, and I look forward to seeing Northern France and exploring the sights and wonders that Saint Malo and Mont Saint Michel offer. Interestingly, the book All the Lights We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr was set in the port of Saint Malo, and having watched the film as well, I love walking the streets of Saint Malo and imagining the scenes of occupied France during WWII. Another fabulous read!

Anyway, I will sign off for today and get back to family life, as every day is busy, and there is always something to attend to. Have a wonderful Easter weekend, and enjoy the extra-long weekend.

Take Care

Becca

If you want to read All the Lights We Cannot See, click here.