E. Rachael Hardcastle's Blog, page 3

The Monthly Meow: Jan 2022 (1/4)

I honestly cannot believe it's been nearly 3 months since the Curious Cat Books launch with Waterstones, Bradford back in October 2021. Time has absolutely flown by, and since then, so much has happened and so much more is planned for 2022, I'm not really sure where to start.

Submissions Opening Soon!

If you're looking for a publisher for your book in 2022, CCB opens its submissions on January 31st for 1 month, closing on the 28th February.

You don't need an agent to submit your manuscript, and the process is quick and easy. A downloadable PDF including the guidelines can be found on the website's menu, or by following: https://www.curiouscatbooks.co.uk/services

Waterstones, Bradford... A Success!

My authors will all tell you how anxious I was for the 16th October 2021 to run smoothly, and I was so pleased and proud of them ALL for attending and speaking about their work, either to the guests on the evening or to Radio Royal (Bradford - Emma and Martin Truelove) about their books. I'm sure at the beginning I was a flustered, bumbling mess, and you all managed to keep me sane. For that, you deserve medals!

It was a full house, with approximately 100 guests visiting us throughout the night, which ran from 6-9pm. We had the amazing support of local media, representatives from Steph's Packed Lunch, local authors and writing groups, bloggers and the Lord Mayor of Bradford alongside the Deputy Lord Mayor of Keighley. We talked with Emma and Malcolm Truelove of Royal Radio Bradford (interview links can be found further down this page), and the evening saw a brave line-up of authors either reading from their published books or discussing their titles, inspiring those in the crowd to purchase signed copies and even leave with ideas for their own projects in 2022.

Following a brief introduction and welcome, John Brookes did a dramatic reading of his middle-grade children's story, Henry, and Peter Kay read a snippet of his travel memoir Show Me the Way to Santiago, followed by a Q&A. We also heard from my father David Hardcastle about our co-written book, Bluetooth & the World Wide Web and K. J. McGuinness closed the evening with a discussion about writing his zombie horror book, Generation Dead. Smiles were wide and sales were high—we loved every minute.

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We were all really lucky to have the support of family and friends on the evening, as well as avid readers and those in the publishing industry. I'd like to extend a HUGE thank you again to Waterstones Bradford and their staff for hosting and setting up the evening, and for their continued support since. CCB titles now sit proudly on the shelves of this historic and absolutely beautiful store in the heart of the city centre, and signed editions can be found in the relevant sections/genres of almost all the titles featured there that night. You can watch me sign a bunch of mine in the YouTube video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpcwd8BZqvg

The event not only officially launched CCB (a few years too late due to Covid!), but it also celebrated local Bradford talent, brought together local businesses and entrepreneurs, creatives, media and likeminded individuals. So much more than a book signing—we celebrated the written word with cake and champagne, and shopped for books during a 3-hour private spree. We laughed and inspired and built new relationships.

Personally, I got to show off the amazing talent I manage and clap for all their success, and I was excited to give my friends, relatives and colleagues a taste of who I am and what I do here at CCB, and what I can offer our community in 2022. At the back end of a year where we all struggled to find the joy in being stuck indoors, not seeing the people we loved and generally feeling a bit fed up, I was proud to be able to safely bring together so many deserving individuals to celebrate our collective hard work and success.

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THANK YOU to everyone who came; to those of you who were unsure if you'd enjoy the event but got dressed up anyway; to those of you who haven't read a book in years but still made the effort to hear all about ours; those of you who stayed out after a long day at work to support us; to those of you who contributed and worked hard to help me all evening (Sue Evans with your tasty cupcakes and CCB cake, Malcolm Clarke for your photographs, Michaela, Ben and Sam for helping out with drinks all night... to name just a few); to family and friends who probably had no idea what you were getting yourselves into—your presence kept me going; and to the Waterstones staff who worked over to set up and run the till and the café. An extra thank you to the manager for inviting us to work alongside you—we are very lucky (your store is a favourite spot for so many bookworms!).

There are so many others I should be thanking here, but I fear we would NEVER get through everybody. Know that I was thrilled to meet every single one of you and I wish you ALL the utmost for 2022. Keep writing. X

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To listen to the Radio Royal podcast interviews with my authors on the evening, please follow this link: https://www.mixcloud.com/radioroyalbradford/ and be sure to follow and support them too. Please excuse the background noise you may hear during the interview, as the event continued as these interviews took place.

ETSY Store Now Live

Curious Cat Books is now selling signed books and bookmarks on Etsy, with free UK delivery and discounted titles throughout January 2022. The store went live just before Christmas 2021—you can currently purchase any of my own titles (E. Rachael Hardcastle) and every order will be signed/personalised, and include a FREE bookmark.

Shop on ETSY: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CuriousCatBooks

[image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error]Generation Dead is a Bestseller

Though it's a few months late, I also wanted to congratulate CCB author K. J. McGuinness on the bestseller status of his new book, Generation Dead during pre-orders.

The title (September 2021) hit no.3 in the Zombies, Werewolves and Vampires category on Amazon.co.uk. The book also reached 122 in the post-apocalyptic category and 9,430 overall.

As at 12/01/2022, the book still sits at no.64 in the Zombie category, and is gathering some amazing 5* reviews from fans.

You can purchase your copy of the book HERE. It is currently available in paperback and e-book formats, and also available from your favourite stores including Waterstones and Barnes and Noble.

You can visit K. J. McGuinness's website HERE to find a list of these retailers and to learn more about the author and the book.

Harriet's Hibernation Released

Once again I'm late to the party, but I also wanted to extend a huge congrats to author Alanna Betambeau who released another gorgeous children's picture book with CCB at the end of September 2021.

Harriet's Hibernation is Alanna's fourth book with CCB, and was featured at the Waterstones event in October 2021.

You can order copies of this book HERE on Amazon - please allow a little longer for delivery as the retailers replenish their stock following the busy Xmas period. This title is also available from your favourite stores.

This update is a few weeks late, and the next Monthly Meow isn't planned until March 2022. Thank you for reading the January 2022 Monthly Meow update, and for continuing to support us in the new year. I look forward to reading the new submissions this year and inviting more of you to join the ever-growing team at CCB.

The Monthly Meow, September 2021

This newsletter is a little bit early. A lot has happened over the past two months; I think this update is twice as exciting, and I have so much more to share with you than originally scheduled! As always, a massive thank you (also on behalf of the CCB authors) for your continued support, and to anyone reading this now. When authors write these things, we do wonder if our voices will simply sit in the spam folder, or if our messages just disappear into the void. The very fact you're reading this now fills me with joy, so go ahead and put the kettle on, I'll wait!

Your Free Audiobook

First up (because everyone likes free stuff!) is an audiobook offer I have available. It's 100% free, and I have 100 to give away. Oh yeah, I definitely said 100, which is a hell of a lot of audiobooks! To celebrate the release of my bestselling novella in audio, alongside Author's Direct and Findaway Voices, I'm giving the first 100 people to claim the full, unabridged version of Noah Finn & the Art of Suicide away absolutely free of charge.

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It's really easy to claim your freebie. Some of you may be new to audio, or a little unsure if listening to a story will be as intense as reading a paperback cover-to-cover. The good thing is that Noah Finn is only approx 3 hours long, so it's the perfect tester for you! To request a special one-off code, all you need to do is send me a quick e-mail and request one. A quick 'hey, please send me a code!' will suffice. You'll need to act now though, because once those 100 codes are gone, that's all there is!

Remember, Noah Finn is intended for readers and listeners of 16+ years, because it contains adult language, themes and scenes which some may find offensive. It's a visionary/metaphysical story set on 9/11, and covers topics such as mental health, suicide, murder and more.

CLICK HERE to send me an e-mail via the contact/about me page.

If you're late to the party and still want to try Noah Finn as your first audiobook, it's now available for purchase through all your favourite retailers. We're adding more every day, so if you don't see the one you want just yet, check back in a few days. Lots of these retailers offer free books through current subscriptions, so if you already have an account, go ahead and download Noah for free!

So far, here are some handy links to retailers currently offering the book:

Kobo

Google Play

Scribd

Audiobooks.co.uk

Patacake Cat's Success

After its release on August 20th 2021, Patacake Cat by CCB author Suzie Moone sold out immediately! Its amazing success pushed this gorgeously illustrated children's book to no.17 on Amazon's bestseller's list (children's books about cats) and no.26 in Children's Cookbooks.

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We are absolutely thrilled with the response Patacake Cat has received in the past month, and are looking forward to featuring the book at Waterstones, Bradford on the 16th October when the company officially launches. More on this further down...

Amazon have now stocked up, so be sure to get your glossy paperback in time for birthday or Christmas gifts this year. BUY HERE. Waterstones also have the book listed, so please feel welcome to visit your local store to order over the counter, or buy online with click and collect. BUY HERE

About the Book - £6.99 paperback only

Patacake likes his lazy life in the bakery, but when the struggling baker, Gus calls on him for help, can he save the day?

A warm, charming fable about loyalty and friendship, with a sprinkling of magic, sugar and stars.

Generation Dead's Exciting Release

Author K. J. McGuinness will be releasing his exciting zombie novel, Generation Dead (Vol.1) on September 27th 2021 with Curious Cat Books. The adult horror-comedy has already reached no.3 on the Amazon bestseller list in its category, for pre-orders alone! We are so grateful for the awesome response Generation Dead has received before it has even been released! CCB is looking forward to featuring the book at Waterstones, Bradford on the 16th October when the company officially launches. More on this further down...

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Order yours now with Waterstones. CLICK HERE (cover coming soon!). Or, you can order your copy on Amazon.co.uk. CLICK HERE. Based on pre-order figures alone, we expect stock to sell out fast! Since pre-orders going live earlier this month, Generation Dead has held an amazing rank on Amazon UK, with most days sitting in the top 100 paid (zombies, werewolves and vampires).

About the Book - £11.99 RRP paperback pre-orders and e-book on release

In the chaos of a NYE party vs the zombie apocalypse, four unlikely friends become separated and must grasp the harsh reality of the undead nightmare breaking out in their living room.

As they seek sanctuary in a supermarket, they must learn to trust one another and battle their personal demons as they battle the monsters outside.

This horror-comedy puts a fresh spin on what it means to be a teenager, and what it will take to stay alive. Can they figure out who or what is behind this outbreak before it's too late?

This book is intended for mature audiences, as it includes adult language, violence, themes and scenes that some readers may find offensive.

Our Waterstones Launch, Less Than 1 Month To Go...

I've been preparing for my company's launch with Waterstones for a few months now, but as an independent author, I guess I've been preparing for an event alongside this gorgeous historic setting since 2010, when my dream of becoming a publisher writer came true.

Thanks to technology and the self-publishing industry, I was able to share my stories with readers worldwide. But I never thought I'd be running a publishing house of my own. After 11 years of sitting in the coffee shop upstairs and wondering when I might see my own titles on those shelves, getting a bit of work done in my home away from home, and buying more books than I can ever read, I'm so grateful and excited to be there next month. Not only to see my own books, but to celebrate the hard work and dedication of all my amazing authors, too.

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Waterstones Bradford are hosting our invite-only party on the 16th October 2021 between 6-9pm, and this semi-formal event will allow CCB authors, local businesses, and the media to connect and share their love for indie talent across West Yorkshire, and the UK. There will be a few book signings ongoing during the day including the author of Patacake Cat, Suzie Moone and the co-author of my bestselling middle-grade book, David Hardcastle. In the evening, authors K. J. McGuinness and Peter Kay will be reading from their titles and answering guest questions.

With refreshments available, signed books, a private shopping experience and the opportunity to meet and quiz all my talented writers, it'll be an event of a lifetime. If you're interested in attending the event, and would like to be added to the guest list, please contact me via e-mail and tell me about yourself.

All our books are listed to order online or in store with Waterstones across the UK. No matter where you live, you'll be able to get a copy of any CCB title, from pre-school illustrated picture books to travel memoirs and more. SHOP NOW.

Harriet's Hibernation, Coming Soon!

On September 29th 2021, CCB will be releasing Alanna Betambeau's adorable pre-school book, Harriet's Hibernation. This title is Alanna's fourth published with Curious Cat Books, and I can't wait to see what else this talented author has in store for us in 2021-2022.

Be sure to pre-order yours now on Amazon: CLICK HERE. As the title is Christmas-themed, it's perfect the perfect gift for any young book lover, and ideal for bedtime stories and journeys. You can also purchase this book through Waterstones: CLICK HERE.

About the Book - £6.99 RRP

Harriet the hedgehog does not like the idea of hibernation.

"How much I will miss!" she thinks.

Will Harriet be able to stay awake, or will she give in to her tired eyes?

Continued Congratulations

Wow, I love checking the reviews of our published titled, because it always warms my heart when positive, encouraging comments come flooding in.

Their books have been released a little longer than those discussed above, but the reviews are stunning for both The Terrific Trip of Douglas Drip by Carol Mace and The Ghost Butterfly by Adam Cornish (13 5* reviews on Amazon UK alone!).

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If you've read and enjoyed one of our titles this year and haven't yet left a review, please consider taking a few minutes to share your thoughts and give each title a star rating on Amazon, Waterstones, or any other retailer platform. Reviews not only let the author's know they've done a good job, but they help other readers to discover these titles and give the writers the feedback they want and need for future releases.

Book Your Service/s

If you'd like to secure my time for next year (2022), please get in touch asap before my diary fills up. For freelance services such as formatting and copy-editing, I'm already struggling to fit new clients in for this year, so if you are interested in hiring me, please reach out at your earliest convenience.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/6016f2_8cb6ca9cf067491e9a66be2c90b83481/480p/mp4/file.mp4

I may be able to assist you with copy-editing, proofreading, formatting, cover creation and coaching for both writing and publishing. Brochures can be found on this website from the main menu.

If you have already worked with me this year and would like to review the service you received, please visit my Buy Me A Coffee page, or write your review on my Facebook page where others can read and share it. CLICK HERE TO REVIEW.

Submissions to publish with CCB will open as usual in January 2022, but as always, if you have questions or wish to query one of my services and/or availability, please get in touch at any time.

That's all for this month, but I'll be back in October with release information, offers, and an exciting update from our launch with Waterstones! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this - stay safe, and I'll catch you again in October. Rachael. X

Journaling Through Anxiety: 3 Handy BuJo Spreads

Most of my regular readers know I suffer with anxiety, and over the years I've developed some useful journal spreads that can be helpful when I'm feeling a bit blue. As well as putting together a feel-good playlist, I wanted to talk about another three pages I keep active in my journal to help with anxiety, depression, OCD and any other mental health troubles you may be facing.

But first, a necessary disclaimer: E. Rachael Hardcastle/Curious Cat Books is not a medical or legal professional and speaks from experience. Please refer to the website's ,policy. This post features Mission: Wellbeing content (from the Girlboss.Guru side of Rachael's blog—this blogging imprint is now integrated with Rachael's journal).

Quotes

A quotes spread, however basic this may seem, is a great way to remind yourself of some important and positive things when you're struggling. Alongside quotes from my favourite movies and books—quotes that resonate with me for any reason—I collect stickers to remind me 'I've got this', 'it's just a bad day' and 'believe in yourself'. Some of these are a bit cheesy (or a lot cheesy!), but oftentimes we feel worse because we assume we're going through these feelings on our own. Just the knowledge that someone thought to create such a sticker reminds me there are others out there who understand and share the same troubles.

It's OK to have an off day—reading something short and uplifting can act as a sort of positive affirmation mantra. I have a quote from Noah Finn & the Art of Suicide (2017) on that page, which I printed out on sticker paper. The quote* reads:

"So if you're ever struggling, look to the sky. Think you can see stars? You can. And the stars see you. None of us are ever alone. Not really."

Go ahead and write that in your own journal to get you started if you find it meaningful.

*This quote is available as a downloadable print-out/poster to anyone who owns a copy (digital or physical) of the book. To find out how to access your secret extras, message me through this website for the free link. Contact me here. You can also check out the Noah Finn Playlist to see this quote.

150 Words Challenge

The 150 Word Challenge is a social media post I created last year to encourage my readers and followers to treat themselves kinder. The world and its people can be cruel, so it's important to be as kind to (and forgiving of) yourself as you can.

I find listing all the things I am (or want to be) helps me to envision a stronger Rachael when I'm struggling. Here are a few examples: creative, imaginative, passionate. The challenge is to reach 150 words or more that positively describe who you are now or who you want to become. Whilst it's a great activity to keep you focused, it's also a nice spread to build on over time and handy to recite on the days you're beating yourself up over something.

I've put together 200 ideas for you in this pretty infographic (a 200 word challenge, but 150 was the initial goal!). How many others can you come up with?

Anxiety Tracker

Those of you who use a bullet journal I'm sure will be familiar with the term 'tracker' and the variety of layouts and creative designs you can use. That in itself helps me with anxiety—creating something fun with lots of colour (that's also useful!) is therapeutic. My anxiety tracker was fairly plain in my journal, and it included a few stickers with dates down one side and a description on the other. I log when I'm feeling anxious and what I was doing at the time in my long-hand journaling time, so I can monitor anything that triggers those emotions. I also log how and if I managed to overcome it.

By doing this, I can (in a small way) self-diagnose the causes and preferred treatments for my anxiety. And, should I ever need to evidence this to a health professional, it's all logged and ready to hand over as a report*—though I hope I never need to!

*On a completely different note, I also do this for my car should it need to go to the garage!

I hope you found these spread ideas useful. Let me know if you have spread ideas to share with me. You can tweet me @erhardcastle or find me on Facebook @erachaelhardcastle (and the same handle on Instagram!). You can also Contact Me if you'd like to send me an email or share the 150 words you came up with. If you found this post helpful, please consider leaving a comment here, or you can visit my Buy Me A Coffee page to review and donate, and help keep this platform going.

E. Rachael Hardcastle/Curious Cat Books is ,not ,a medical or legal professional and speaks from experience. Please refer to the website's ,policy . This post features Mission: Wellbeing content (from the Girlboss.Guru side of Rachael's blog—this blogging imprint is now integrated with Rachael's journal).

A Love of Reading?

Keeping a busy schedule has, for sure, impacted my love of reading. In my teens, I'd read an entire series of books—six or seven minimum—in a week, chain reading faster than I could order the next volume. I remember reading the Charlaine Harris* Sookie Stackhouse novels (Trueblood) in my bedroom and texting a friend as she read alongside me, hoping to beat her to the next big reveal. More on Charlaine Harris later...

I still read every day at work and I'm privileged to enjoy some amazing indie fiction, which I then go on to publish through Curious Cat Books (or edit/format etc depending on the author's needs), but as a hobby and in my leisure time, I've steered away from thick fiction novels (particularly hardbacks or a lengthy series). And recently, I've found myself reaching for graphic novels or comic books, which until now, never appealed to me.

It's not difficult to figure out why, either. It's harder to find time to relax with a good novel these days, or muster the attention required for a complex high fantasy trilogy. But I wanted to rekindle my love of reading somehow. Something short, colourful and entertaining was the perfect stepping stone from not reading at all to finding that passion once again. I figured just picking up a magazine would be better than nothing, right? Because most of the books I wanted to read I'd already read, why (I thought) would I risk buying and hating something new when the familiar stories were right there on my shelf? I often return to old favourites rather than checking out the latest bestsellers—for example, Mitch Albom's moving visionary novels, Charlaine Harris's vampire books, and Charlie Higson's The Enemy YA zombie series. I was stuck!

But then, as many of my readers know, I'm a big Lindsey Stirling fan. You can see from the photo I have her autobiography The Only Pirate At The Party and a signed album insert from Artemis. This album also saw the release of six brilliant comic books (the story of the album), and I wanted to check those out having never read anything like them. Inside, there are QR codes you can scan to listen to the album, which is really cool. Needless to say, I was addicted! I'm now the proud owner of all six volumes (one of which is signed!). So began my sickness...

Following the purchase of Artemis one to three (the others came later), I decided to only purchase stories I was familiar with or really took my fancy. Of course, The Walking Dead is a TV series I've enjoyed for years, but I'd never read the comics they were based on. So, I found the first compendium on Facebook marketplace and devoured it, then went on to buy two and three. I still need four to complete my collection. The compendiums are entertaining and easy to read (plus, they are great value for money), but gosh are they heavy!

I took to buying pre-owned comic books just in case they weren't to my taste, and I picked up the Bob's Burgers comic from Dynamite including volumes one to five from an online retailer. I love the TV show, so this was a must have (though yes, it's silly!). But it's super easy and quick to read, and it makes me smile. Also, from the photo, you'll see I managed to collect all three Grave Sight books by Charlaine Harris (graphic novels from Dynamite based on the series). I'm yet to read these as I write this, but the covers are intense!

After collecting those, I decided to search for other comic books based on shows or books I've loved in the past. Once Upon A Time is one of my favourites, so I bought both in hardback from a lovely lady on Facebook marketplace. You can get anything on Facebook! Out of the Past and Shadow of the Queen by Marvel are both well-loved and highly recommended if you enjoy the TV show or, like me, write fantasy, but the hardback binding does make them more difficult to read if you're afraid to crack the spine.

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As I gathered those above, I also noticed someone selling a full collection of the Trueblood comics, as seen in the photo gallery. There are six comics in each 'series' and three series in total—Trueblood, Tainted Love & the French Quarter—which made a whopping eighteen books up for grabs. I couldn't say no, and purchased the lot (many of them still in protective sleeves). The previous owner had clearly cared for them because when they arrived, they were practically new! There was still one final comic in the Trueblood collection I needed, and this was the first ever comic book, 'The Great Revelation', to be released. It acted as a teaser for the TV show starring Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer. What would we do without Ebay?

Finally, throughout the above, I fell in love with the Battle Royale manga series; these are read backwards, which to those of us in the UK is right to left instead of left to right and much harder to get your head around than you'd think! It took some Googling to figure out how to enjoy these, and initially I only purchased perhaps books one to five from a guy on Facebook to try. Despite the odd edition having a discoloured bullet (see no. two as an example), they were in perfect condition.

When I initially purchased the books, I had no idea how hard they were to come by, and expensive, especially in the later volumes. They are out of print and difficult to get in the UK when you hit books eight/nine onwards. It has taken quite a few months, but I've found almost all of them one way or another, and now need only two to complete the series. I've already read the book and seen the movies, so I knew immediately I would enjoy these graphic novels. They are most certainly aimed at older teenagers and adults due to the content, though!

Those I currently own (except the huge Walking Dead compendiums and Battle Royale) are in comic protective sleeves (thank you, Amazon!). And there are extras in the pack waiting for my next exciting purchase. This concludes my collection so far, but I'll be on the look out for other comics, graphic novels and manga I can enjoy until my hunger for longer fiction returns.

If there's a comic you love, please get in touch to recommend your favourites! Want to see any of my other books? Let me know if you'd be interested in checking out my bookshelf tour for an up-to-date view of what I'm reading and why. It's random!

Contact Me

Moleskine Vs. Leuchtturm - Journal Comparison (Pt.2)

I can't stress enough how much I adore my physical paper notebooks. And I've tried to use apps and other cool gadgets to note ideas and work on my fiction, but nothing beats good 'ol pen and paper! Right? But, the truth is, I'm torn between my Moleskine lined journal—which I use for personal thoughts and notes—and my Leuchtturm 1917 Bullet Journal (the official BuJo one in black) for my diary, to-do lists, calendar and everything else.

So, I took some time this week and did a bit of research to help YOU decide which you prefer. I'm a huge fan of both brands, and I've owned various colours and editions in the past. There are tons of others out there, too, but so far I haven't found anything I love as much as these two.

IN THIS POST, I'LL BE REVIEWING THE LEUCHTTURM ONLY. To read about the Moleskine, please visit last week's post for more info!

MY LEUCHTTURM 1917 JOURNAL

My Leuchtturm 1917 is an A5 hardcover in black (the official Bullet Journal branded one, so it has BULLET JOURNAL on the front as seen in the image above) with 240 ivory pages and 80gsm paper. It's dotted because I use the Bullet Journal Method and has acid-free, numbered pages with a corresponding table of contents (index) in the front and a place to plan for the future (future log). If you are new to bullet journaling, mine also has a few guide pages in the back, as well as a handy pocket. It fastens with elastic, and I've added an extra pen loop that sticks in at the rear for when I'm on the go.

As standard, the Leuchtturm notebooks come with indexing stickers so you can label the spine and the front if you wish, and there are three ribbon page markers in different colours, so you can reference various pages. The corners of my journal are rounded.

In the front, there is a key (again, part of the Bullet Journal Method) and a page to write your name and contact information.

>>GET THE SAME JOURNAL I HAVE- LET'S BE JOURNAL BUDDIES!<<

Mine is black, not green (but ooh, I love that colour too!)

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LEUCHTTURM 1917 JOURNAL

To my knowledge, these notebooks come in hardback and softback, a variety of colours, and you can choose ruled, plain, dotted (and more) paper types. Some of the Leuchtturm notebooks also come with 8 perforated pages which you can remove and a table of contents in the front. There are lots of sizes available, and pen loops can be purchased separately.

WHY I LOVE LEUCHTTURM 1917 JOURNALS

The Leuchtturm journal is so sturdy—I've dropped mine, used it as a coaster amongst other things and it is yet to mark. It has even survived the chaos that is my handbag. With 240 pages, I can use 2 bullet journals per year and it's enough, though some people do go through more. The paper is a little thicker than the Moleskine, so you can get away with using different inks, though there may still be a bit of ghosting or bleed (depending on which ones you choose).

The numbered pages and corresponding index make it so easy to find what you've written—no more endless flicking until you see something familiar, and the three coloured ribbons in the version I have definitely help... to be honest, there may be too many!

I do have the book by Ryder Carroll who designed the Bullet Journal Method, but I love that this version of the notebook has some reference pages to help you get started if you don't.

Finally, this journal lays perfectly flat, which is a must for me!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu2ZTYnzkv4WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT THE LEUCHTTURM 1917

As I mentioned above, there are a few too many ribbons but if you have lots going on and need this level of organisation, it would be perfect. You could easily use magnetic bookmarks or washi tape to mark your pages instead, or fold the pages if you're not fussy about that sort of thing.

I like the thickness, but I find it much heavier and more difficult to carry around than the Moleskine—it just doesn't feel quite as personal. However, I do have the BuJo version, so a standard Leuchtturm will be different.

I don't like that the pen loop isn't already included with the journal. For the price, I'd maybe expect one, but the loops are fairly cheap to buy if you need one (if not, there's a hack—let me know if you want in on the secret!). Also, it's nice to be able to buy a different coloured loop to your journal if you want to mix it up a bit.

Finally, I'm not a fan of the pocket because I hardly use it, but sometimes when a sticky note loses it's stickiness, I'll pop it in there for safekeeping.

>>NEED SOMEWHERE TO STICK YOUR PEN? YOU'LL WANT ONE OF THESE, THEN!<<

WOULD I RECOMMEND THE LEUCHTTURM 1917 JOURNAL?

Overall I'd recommend the Leuchtturn 1917 Bullet Journal for the job it was intended to do... as a bullet journal. But, if you need a desk diary or an organiser, I can see the Leuchtturm being perfect for that. If you were going to use this as a personal journal, I would perhaps opt for the thinner version.

So, what do you think? Is it worth adding a Leuchtturm 1917 to your Christmas list?

>>THIS IS WHAT I'M REFERRING TO WHEN I SAY 'BULLET JOURNAL' AKA BUJO - GRAB THE GUIDE HERE!<<

Please refer to this website's policy on recommendations and links.

Why I Miss Arriette Monroe (2020)

- from Rachael's journal, 2020 -

Wow, thank you for clicking on this post! Authors write these updates and send them out, hoping to capture the interest of another writer or a potential reader by sharing our experiences and advice, but we can never truly judge their impact. So, I appreciate your time and attention and I'm thrilled you're here to support me.

I find I'm spread a bit thin these days—running a company, working full time, keeping house and writing my own fiction keeps me moving, but sometimes I feel it isn't always in the right direction or for the best reasons. I've definitely become a workaholic. Not by any means a stressed one, but I've learnt more about myself for sure. I've discovered my limits (after testing them quite a bit) and I've rekindled some passions I forgot I had. One of those passions is of course writing... specifically, my favourite character, Arriette Monroe. And it's Arriette I'd like to talk to you about today.

I miss this supernatural nightmare of a woman more than I expected to. When I created her in 2010, I think I needed her bravery and wanted her strong, fiery (but not unbreakable) personality to lead me to success, which it has in so many ways. Her story was actually the book that landed me an agent (it was called 'Eleven' at the time, which some of you may not know about the series), and it was, of course, also the story that rocketed me into the self-publishing world as I currently know it. Book one in the series (World) has been #1 on Amazon a few times across its many platforms with free downloads reaching hundreds daily. (If you were one of these people, thank you so much for your support either in the past or the present. It really does mean the world to me.) Most recently, it spent 2 days at #1 on the US e-book bestsellers list under 'Christian Fantasy', which is a genre I wasn't aware I ranked in until this month! I had 400+ downloads in less than 24 hours. It made it to #3 in Fantasy Adventure Fiction and Greco-Roman Myth & Legend Fantasy e-books too—isn't that a mouthful!?

Even now, though, I'm unable to let her go and I miss how familiar writing as Arriette was. Despite Finding Pandora being in the 3rd person, I can still get inside her head and live her adventures for a short while no matter the chaos she creates, the mistakes she makes or the life-threatening circumstances she finds herself in. But, part of me is also afraid to move on from Haeylo, the world I created for her. Sure, I've written two visionary novellas, a non-fiction publishing guide and a post-apocalyptic adventure since Arriette, yet I'm always drawn to YA high fantasy, wondering if and when I should create the next instalment in the series, 'The Resurrection of Pandora'. The thought used to excite me—could another four books excite my Arriette fans, too? Is it really a fear of leaving my comfort zone or an indication of the work I ought to be producing? I wonder...

Interestingly, I ran a poll on Facebook to ask that very question. Readers wanted more from Arriette Monroe. I did pick up where I left off for a few weeks and then my attention strayed to my 2nd visionary novella, Noah Finn & the Art of Conception. It released on September 1st 2020 and I'm excited (of course!) because I find visionary fiction so easy to write; it's a way for me to pour my heart, soul, morals and values into a moving, emotional piece with real meaning. But, it's not quite as creative as high fantasy. There are no epic battles between good and evil, less symbolism (or less obvious symbolism, anyway) and a greater risk of offending someone through sensitive, adult themes. I find it somewhat restrictive... sometimes, because I like to write openly and honestly. I want to make people think and question, but asking certain questions is bound to prompt some unwanted (but not unexpected) responses.

After some thought, I decided to return to Arriette's world for at least one more paperback, which is another 4 e-books in the YA high fantasy genre. There's a lot left to tell my readers, and there are adventures already on paper worth sharing, though they need a thorough re-write and some editing. I bought a few new reference books in preparation for this project, which I'm looking forward to devouring. I've also re-vamped the existing book cover a little, giving the title and my author name some colour. I much prefer it over the boring black... don't you?

When Noah Finn & the Art of Conception hit the shelves, I turned my attention back to Arriette's world. Hopefully, this time, I won't be so easily distracted. Finding Pandora has some hard-core fans (I know... I've met them and they're all wonderfully addicted!). This leads me to assume the several year delay won't be an issue—it never is when a story is worth telling. I don't think...?

So, that's what's been swirling through my mind. As a result, some of you may have noticed book one was back at perma-free for potential new readers to download and enjoy risk-free. Then, it returned to the super low price of £1.99 (or £4.99 for the full series - 4 books).

As always, I appreciate your time. I'm hoping to reach out more often with similar updates and thoughts—my focus is usually on the monthly newsletter (the Monthly Meow) which, for the CCB side of things, will now be produced every quarter. At the moment, the ERH newsletter should be going out as usual, and I'd like to thank everyone who has remained subscribed to both following the recent changes. You don't necessarily have to be subscribed to be reading this of course, but if you'd like to be notified when I do post something, be sure to join my e-mail list, where you can also receive a free e-book. Feel free to grab that offer whilst it's available, and enjoy!

I hope you're as excited as I am about the upcoming Pandora project. Thank you for reading—stay safe, stay curious and I'll catch you again in my next post.

Rachael x

July 2021 Edition: The Monthly Meow

Welcome back to another month of updates! Thank you for taking the time to check in with Curious Cat Books—there's lots going on, but here's a handful of our July updates (a few days late!) for your entertainment and information.

Teasers for Noah Finn & the Art of Suicide Go Live!

Anyone who loves to listen to a moving audiobook will be thrilled to hear that production for Noah Finn & the Art of Suicide (and its sequel, Noah Finn & the Art of Conception) is almost complete! You can now listen to two extracts from the first audiobook, due to be released in 2021, and Rachael would LOVE to hear your thoughts.

To listen, click the button below. You will be taken to this website's homepage - scroll down to find two handy play links, where interesting snippets of the upcoming audiobook can be heard.

Girlboss Guru's Launch Postponed

Due to a change of circumstances (unforeseen and unavoidable), the Girlboss.Guru launch has had to be postponed indefinitely. Curious Cat Books is still excited to work on the journaling therapy blog, and in the meantime, until we have further plans in place, hopes to incorporate some of the content into the CCB/ERH blog on this website.

We don't know when the GBG platform will be back up and running, but updates will be posted to this newsletter as soon as they become available.

If you were hoping to write for the GBG platform and would like further information or advice, please contact Rachael through this website to discuss moving forward.

CCB apologises for any inconvenience or disappointment, but hopes to see you all back here for journaling, stationery and wellbeing content in the future, written by Rachael herself.

Generation Dead... Coming Soon

Rachael is thrilled to confirm that you can now read more about the author of the upcoming adult horror novel, Generation Dead, on his brand new website. Visit www.kjmcguinness.com to read about K. J. McGuinness's background and experiences, plus check out a bunch of photos and his first blog post, which talks further about his debut title.

In the photo above, K. J. McGuinness can be seen with all three volumes of the GD series, taken before he signed with Curious Cat Books to publish Volume 1. Rachael is excited to be working with K. J. McGuinness this year to produce a paperback and e-book edition of the above mock-ups, with brand new covers and interior designs.

Watch this space for updates, and be sure to subscribe to K. J. McGuinness's fan club to be notified whenever he posts to his blog with news, updates and more.

Please note that K. J. McGuinness's website is still under construction - please allow time for certain aspects of the site to go live and update as Curious Cat Books works alongside K. J. McGuinness over the upcoming weeks. Thank you.

Patacake Cat's Release

With the Waterstones, Bradford launch just around the corner in October 2021, Curious Cat Books is excited to be releasing this gorgeous children's book, Patacake Cat, in time for the event on the 20th August 2021.

The book's author, Suzie Moone, has been posting with exciting images and updates to her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/suziemoonebooks, which is a great place to follow her work. You can also support her through the website, https://suziemoone.wordpress.com/

You can also now pre-order the paperback for £6.99 through your favourite retailer, including Amazon.co.uk (and in other territories worldwide) by clicking here. With full-colour illustrations and an adorable, hard-working kitty character, children will love the latest book for young readers from CCB:

'Patacake likes his lazy life in the bakery, but when the struggling baker, Gus calls on him for help, can he save the day?

A warm, charming fable about loyalty and friendship, with a sprinkling of magic, sugar and stars.'

Make Yourself - A Girlboss.Guru Book Review

Though the GBG platform has been temporarily postponed, Rachael was still proud to read and review a mental health-themed memoir by author Gillian Smith on behalf of the platform this year.

Rachael doesn't usually accept books to review, but when the GBG platform signed to Curious Cat Books, this title in particular sparked some interest. She was thrilled to be given the opportunity to chat with this author and read her work, and encourages those with a similar interest to purchase a paperback or e-book copy of their own.

To read Rachael's honest review of this title, please click here.

The author is active on Instagram, so for inspirational posts, please follow her via:

https://www.instagram.com/recovery_in_writing/.

If you have a book you would like Rachael's opinion on, please get in touch with her through the contact form on this website and reach out for a possible review. Rachael will not charge for the review, but if accepted, it will be 100% honest and you would need to send a physical copy of the title to her PO Box.

Working With Rachael - Book Now

Though Rachael's publishing house, Curious Cat Books, is not currently accepting new submissions, you can still book your freelance services with her.

If you'd like to secure Rachael's time for next year (2022), please get in touch asap before her diary fills up. She is already struggling to fit new clients in for this year, so if you are interested in hiring her, please reach out at your earliest convenience.

Rachael is able to assist you with copy-editing, proofreading, formatting, cover creation (not including design) and coaching for both writing and publishing. To read more about what Rachael can offer, please visit https://www.curiouscatbooks.co.uk/curiouscatbooks or download the brochure below.

This and other brochures (including those for retailers and submissions), can be found by hovering over the 'work with me' link in this website's menu. There, you can also find a selection of Rachael's reviews and testimonials from happy clients she has previously worked with, or visit her Buy Me A Coffee page.

As always, if you have questions or wish to query one of Rachael's services and/or availability, please get in touch at any time.

Tales of the Agoge, a Low Ash Primary School Collection

Every year, Rachael is thrilled to work with Low Ash Primary School in Bradford, West Yorkshire to produce a collection of stories written by their Year 6 classes. Each year brings a new theme, and 2021 introduces, Tales of the Agoge.

The book will soon be available for purchase on the Amazon platform only (£6.99 paperback), and royalties from the sale of this title will become a voucher for further creative writing services for the school in 2022. The title will also be made available as an e-book.

Curious Cat Books would like to offer a huge congratulations to the new Year 6 authors at Low Ash Primary School, and looks forward to hearing readers' feedback in the coming months. Well done, Year 6!

That's it for July's updates - please check back soon for further news articles, blog posts and release updates. Thank you for taking time to read this, and for your continued support.

Make Yourself: A Book Review of the Emotive Memoir by Gillian Smith

Make Yourself by Gillian Smith (awarded 4.5* by the Girlboss.Guru platform)

Published by Green Cat Books (https://www.green-cat.shop/gillian-smith)

Review written by E. Rachael Hardcastle

ABOUT THE BOOK

Make Yourself is a personal, emotive memoir about a teenaged girl surviving school and her peers, whilst learning how to cope with her anxiety and depression, fuelled further by thoughts of self-harm and attempted suicide.

POSITIVES

Within just a few chapters, it's clear the author (SMITH) suffered greatly in her adolescence at the hands of others—some practically children themselves—and I found myself cringing, gasping and in some cases even crying with her. I compared her experiences of high school to my own, and through that I felt great sympathy and empathy, but also empowerment by her progress and current state of mind.

If you are buying this book, I would note it comes with a bit of a trigger warning with regards the sensitivity, as it does talk about self-harm, suicide, depression and mental health overall. However, it's definitely an interesting read and certainly makes you think and consider your own past and how it has affected who you are today, and what you want for your life in the future.

I was sent a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review, so I must also add a disclaimer that I was curious to know how journaling and writing benefited the author. There are several mentions of how writing assisted her recovery, and in one chapter SMITH says, '...emotions ran so easily from my heart to my pen...' which as a writer myself, hit a nerve for sure—this is something I completely agree with.

NEGATIVES

As I always write 100% fair and honest reviews, there were a few minor things I wasn't sure about that I must include. The book is a decent size and great value for money overall, but I found the double-spacing inside a bit distracting... maybe because I'm just not used to it. I found the odd spelling/grammar mistake and one or two formatting errors. But, I should also note here that I'm a copy-editor by trade, and such points are always subjective. I have been sent an advanced reader copy/an early version too. The most important thing to note is of course how well the writer expresses herself, the important lessons she teaches, and the overall quality of the content. For this alone, she gets 10/10 (or I'd award 5* on a retailer platform).

FINAL THOUGHTS

I was also engrossed by the chapter about SMITH's reaction to the events of 9/11 as this is a setting I have used in my own fiction; it's a shocking memory and something that I got the impression stunned the author into some self-realisations. Towards the back end of the book, SMITH then says, 'Writing is a release without judgement.' This quote spoke to me as Jack Heffron's 'Writing is an act of hope' did in The Writer's Idea Book. I talk a lot through managing Girlboss.Guru about the benefits of journaling and how we can open ourselves to self-realisations without judgment, guilt or fear. This book has only enforced my belief in this therapeutic system and if you are looking to write a memoir about your own troubles and struggles, SMITH would be the perfect author to approach for advice.

I'm grateful to have received this book and found it deeply moving and well worth the read. From a mental health/wellbeing and even journaling perspective, I would recommend it. I'm awarding this title 4.5* through the Girlboss.Guru platform with my thanks for the opportunity.

SUPPORT THE AUTHOR

This book is available in paperback and e-book formats: BUY NOW on Amazon.co.uk! Follow Gillian SMITH and Recovery in Writing at https://www.instagram.com/recovery_in_writing/ Learn more about Gillian SMITH here: https://linktr.ee/recovery_in_writing

The Monthly Meow (June 2021) CCB Edition

We're a little late this month posting our amazing authors' updates for this quarter, (but that's because we have a super exciting announcement to make!).

Douglas Drip hits the top 100!

Wow! Congrats Carol Martin for getting Douglas Drip into the top 200 for teaching aids in geography! This is an awesome achievement at #78 - the top 100!!

CCB Signs children's author Kate Ainsworth

Curious Cat Books would like to welcome children's pre-school author Kate Ainsworth to the team, and looks forward to working on her debut release in 2021-2022!

Kate Ainsworth is an author and illustrator of the upcoming children’s picture book The Fabulous Mr Frank. She has a passion for capturing children’s attention through fun and playful stories.

She was born on the south coast of England and lives in a small coastal village in the New Forest with her husband, two young children & French bulldog.

Alongside writing & parenting, Kate is a marketer and communicator in Finance, something she’s been doing for over 20 years. When not enjoying all of the above, she can be found trekking through the New Forest or braving a swim in the bracing British sea.

The CCB and ERH website merger

You may have noticed some recent changes to the ERH and CCB platforms when it comes to the company and author websites. You may also have noticed you're receiving e-mails from E. Rachael Hardcastle's platform, but you're not sure why (because you subscribed to the CCB platform!). Here's what's going on...

Rachael is pleased to announce the merge of these websites, and so the two are now one and the same. CCB has always been part of the ERH brand, and as Rachael runs the company alone, merging the platforms has allowed for a smoother, continued service since Covid-19.

At this time, the CCB social media (FB and IN @curiouscatbooks) will remain in place and separate to ERH (@erachaelhardcastle). We understand if you wish to unsubscribe from these updates, which you are welcome to do easily by clicking the link at the bottom of this e-mail. We hope, though, that since you subscribed to the Curious Cat Books fan club/e-mail list, that you'll still be interested in hearing from us occasionally.

We would like to thank those who have stuck with us through the pandemic - we appreciate all of you!

Check out the CCB side of things, including a list of our current and upcoming authors, here: https://www.curiouscatbooks.co.uk/curiouscatbooks

Waterstones, 2021!

CCB is thrilled to confirm that the Waterstones, Bradford company launch will be going ahead this year on October 16th 2021, between 6-9pm. After a 2-year delay, we are so glad to be working alongside Waterstones again as planned, to celebrate the wonderful work of all our authors and their amazing titles (both released and due to be!).

The launch will feature a selection of UK-based authors and invites local businesses and the media to celebrate new writing talent—signed books, interviews, photo opportunities and refreshments will be available.

Invitations are already in the mail (both physically and digitally where necessary) to those on our guest list. We kindly ask that if you've received an invitation, that you RSVP at your earliest convenience - this will help us to plan the event based on numbers. If you haven't yet heard from us with yours and would like to attend, please get in touch with Rachael through this website's contact form and let her know. It's a fantastic opportunity for businesses, schools, media and more to meet one another in a positive, welcoming space to celebrate our small, independent publishing house and its dedicated authors.

We are also planning to entertain our younger readers during the day on the 16th October. A few of our pre-school and middle-grade authors will be appearing to lead activities, readings and signings. We'll let you know more as soon as we have the official line-up!

CCB would like to thank you all for your support and hope to see you on the evening in this stunning, historic location. If you have any questions about the event, please feel welcome to get in touch at any time.

Thank you for joining us this month. Be sure to check back soon for further updates. In the meantime, why not follow us on social media?

https://www.facebook.com/curiouscatbooks

https://www.facebook.com/erachaelhardcastle

The Monthly Meow, May 2021 (ERH Edition)

As I write this, it's beautiful summer weather outside and my head and shoulders are sunburnt. When will I learn? But, offer me blazing sunshine vs snow and I'll take the heat any day. So grab a cool drink and let's get started with this month's updates.

A Company Merger? Let's Clarify...

I've had questions recently about whether I'm merging two companies (ERH and CCB), so wanted to clarify in the Monthly Meow exactly what's going on.

I came to the decision recently to merge the ERH and CCB websites only. Now—no matter which of my website domains you enter (be it erachaelhardcastle or curiouscatbooks)—they both direct you to the same location. CCB has always been part of the ERH brand and the two are one and the same. Curious Cat Books is my imprint and originally, everything ran as one huge platform. As I run my company solo, I felt it necessary to re-merge the online side of things with the exception of the CCB social media, which will remain in place and separate to ERH.

This means you can support me and my books (@erachaelhardcastle - Facebook and Instagram or @erhardcastle - Twitter) or the company and my authors' amazing titles (@curiouscatbooks - Facebook and Instagram only). Of course, I'd love for you to support both! As always, you can find everything you need to know through my website (using either domain), about my authors' books and links to their websites etc., and they are all located under the WORK WITH ME section of this website.

**If you are looking for the Monthly Meow, May 2021 (CCB Edition), please check back in a few weeks—the newsletter should be live around June 12th. Thanks!**

Girlboss.Guru's Sneak Peak

Officially launching on September 1st 2021, Girlboss.Guru is a journaling therapy and wellbeing blog that I will be managing with a Facebook, Instagram and Twitter page you can follow for weekly inspiration, quotes and, of course, journaling tips.

Until the launch date, the blog's content (which will be updated weekly from the 15th September, with the first 10 posts going live on the 1st) will be hidden. However, you can now check out a sneak peek for a taste of the blog's 'content to come', plus get your first three journaling prompts and a free infographic just for visiting this link:

https://www.girlbossguru.com/sneak-peek.

If you're excited for more, you can subscribe to the blog to receive e-mail updates when something new is posted, and Girlboss will send you a free printable as a thank you. The link to do this is on the website.

Donate a one-off £3 to the blog through Buy Me A Coffee, and you'll receive a link with a password to access Girlboss's current Printables Archive, which she regularly updates. Donate before the 1st September, and you'll be accessing a bunch of content nobody else has seen yet, plus some extra bonus materials! You can also leave Girlboss a note or a review at the same time.

The Girlboss platform is for entertainment value, and is aimed at journal-lovers who want to use their notebooks and cute stationary to improve their mental health and overall wellbeing. Girlboss writes from the heart, and shares personal tips and tricks, but also reviews some of her favourite products including journals, books and more. To learn more about Journaling Therapy and about Girlboss's mission, please visit this link:

https://www.girlbossguru.com/about

The Universe Launches in Paperback

I'm so thrilled to confirm that The Universe Doesn't Give A Sh*t About Your Book: A Brutally Honest Guide To Self-Publishing is now available (from June 1st 2021) to purchase in a gorgeous matte-finish paperback. This book is my only non-fiction title to date, and it's a desk guide/reference book targeted at new and/or struggling indie authors who need some straight-talking advice when it comes to self-publishing.

You can now order a copy for £9.99 through your favourite retailers, but please allow them a little extra time to get the book in stock if it's not currently showing available for your region. I am also planning on offering signed copies through my website to readers in the UK, so I'll be sure to give you the heads-up when that stock arrives.

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

Waterstones

Barnes & Noble

The hardback and e-book editions are also available as normal.

From the back cover:

If you need help with your book

—perhaps you're not sure what independent publishing is all about, or you're feeling overwhelmed—you've certainly come to the right place!

E. Rachael Hardcastle offers her insight in The Universe Doesn't Give A Sh*t About Your Book, teaching you the basics of self-editing, formatting and marketing your debut book.

Whether you're already an established author or you're just starting out... Rachael can help, and she wants you to know you're not alone on your journey to success.

Signed Fiction Books

If you're looking for something to read this summer, I'm now offering signed fiction books through my website at just the click of a button. At the moment, I have three titles available.

The prices you see on-screen include postage/packing to a UK address.

You can now purchase a signed copy of Bluetooth & the World Wide Web (middle-grade, also signed by my co-author), Finding Pandora: The Complete Collection (YA+) and Aeon Infinitum: Run For Your Life (YA+) from the home page of my website and I'll post your order personally for you the very next day (I'll even throw in a bookmark!).

When you click the BUY NOW button, you'll be re-directed to Paypal where you can pay through their app using your Paypal account of a credit/debit card of your choice. Please note that stock is limited, but there will always be more on the way.

Noah Finn & the Art of Suicide (Audio) Update

I'm happy to announce the recording for Noah Finn book one is complete, and I'll be setting a release date for the audiobook over the next week or two. It's been an absolute pleasure working with voice actor George Scaife, and I'm loving how Noah Finn's voice has been brought to life.

There are three sneak peek audio clips now posted on my YouTube channel, which you can enjoy via the links below. Please give them a thumbs up and leave me your feedback in a comment—I'm really excited to share these with you.

1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uNORmOugxQ

2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9olDnLndys

3)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0heYIc4JqosFinding Pandora Fan Photo

Thank you to one of my readers for sending me this photo of Finding Pandora, proudly displayed on the shelf of her local WHSmith store! It's up there with some famous names, too—how exciting! If you find a copy of one of my books whilst out and about, or if you own a copy yourself, I'd love to see and share your photos. Please get in touch through the website.

A Free Book? Yes... Really!

You may have seen this offer posted to my Facebook page recently, and it is 100% legit.

In exchange for an honest review on ANY of your favourite retailer platforms (which you should post within 30 days of receiving the book), I'll send you a brand new, dual-signed copy of Bluetooth & the World Web in the mail.

My co-author (David Hardcastle) and I have been working on a sequel to our middle-grade children's book, so we're looking for some honest reviews from insect and technology-loving parents and kids to help us take this next book in a new and fun direction.

If you would be interested in receiving a free paperback book in exchange for your honest feedback, please get in touch today through the contact form on this website. It's 100% free, (and we'll even throw in a bookmark for you).

That's all for this month. Thank you so much for giving me a few minutes of your time and for caring about my work. If you would like to support me further, you can leave your feedback and buy me a virtual coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/curiouscatbooks.

Be sure to check back mid-June for the CCB Edition of the Monthly Meow to hear about my wonderful authors and their hard work.