L.P. Halliday's Blog
September 25, 2024
September 10, 2024
Perfect Reads for Spooky Season
We’re back from our holidays, and guess what? Spooky season is sneaking right up on us! I absolutely adore these cozy September evenings—when the air turns crisp, and you can feel that magical shift in the breeze as summer slowly fades into fall. And let me tell you, once autumn begins, I become completely obsessed with all things spooky and magical. But here’s my confession: I’m a total scaredy-cat! Horror movies? Hard pass. Jump scares? No, thank you!
So, how do I keep the spooky vibes going while avoiding all things terrifying? Easy—cozy supernatural stories! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite magical and supernatural reads this season (In no particular order) that are perfect for anyone looking to get into the spirit of fall without the heart-pounding horror. Let’s dive in!
1. The House in the Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune
This spellbinding tale is everything I love: a whimsical, magical world, quirky "outsider" characters, and a heartwarming message about acceptance. It’s not spooky in the traditional sense but definitely gives you that enchanted, otherworldly feel. Perfect for curling up with on a chilly evening.
2. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
Confession time: I only recently discovered that Practical Magic was a book before it became the beloved movie! Needless to say, I’m now completely obsessed with Alice Hoffman’s writing. The book is unique, without traditional chapters, and divided into three distinct parts. It’s an emotional and captivating read with just the right amount of magic to keep my witchy heart happy. Be warned, though: if you're a die-hard fan of the movie, prepare for something a little different—but equally beautiful.
3. The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall
This book is pure escapism! Imagine a magical village, a witty badger familiar (yes, you read that right—a badger!), and plenty of cozy vibes. With a bit of magic and a lot of charm, it’s the perfect feel-good read to enjoy while wrapped up in your favorite blanket.
4. The Mystery in the Margins by L.L. Gray
The world-building in this book is next level! The setting of Havenwood is so richly described, you’ll want to pack up and move there. This isn’t your typical nail-biting mystery—it’s more of a gentle, atmospheric tale with a small-town charm that feels like a mashup of a cozy mystery and Gilmore Girls. Absolutely perfect for fall!
5. Edgar by David Allen Voyles
Okay, okay—I know I just said I’m terrified of horror, but hear me out. Edgar is different. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s life and work, Voyles weaves a spine-tingling re-imagining of Poe’s early years and the inspirations behind his eerie poems. It's chilling, yes, but it leans more into the young adult horror realm, so I managed to make it through with minimal heart palpitations. If you love a little literary horror, this one’s a must-read!
6. The Golem of Brooklyn By Adam Mansbach
(Yes, that Adam Mansbach—the one who wrote Go the F** to Sleep*). This book is still sitting on my nightstand, and while I’m only halfway through, I have to mention it because it’s that good. Mansbach combines Jewish history (both ancient and modern), Jewish folklore, and a hefty dose of Larry David-style humor. Somehow, he manages to weave in a lot of melancholy, too. It’s a fascinating blend that showcases Mansbach as much more than a children's author. I’m already planning to seek out more of his work after spooky season is over.
And there you have it! My cozy, magical reads to get you through spooky season without the jump scares. Stay tuned for more reading recommendations, and don’t forget—The Dryburgh Chronicles Part 1: The Existence of Shadows is still available for FREE on Kindle Unlimited until the end of October.
Happy reading, friends!
So, how do I keep the spooky vibes going while avoiding all things terrifying? Easy—cozy supernatural stories! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite magical and supernatural reads this season (In no particular order) that are perfect for anyone looking to get into the spirit of fall without the heart-pounding horror. Let’s dive in!
1. The House in the Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune
This spellbinding tale is everything I love: a whimsical, magical world, quirky "outsider" characters, and a heartwarming message about acceptance. It’s not spooky in the traditional sense but definitely gives you that enchanted, otherworldly feel. Perfect for curling up with on a chilly evening.
2. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
Confession time: I only recently discovered that Practical Magic was a book before it became the beloved movie! Needless to say, I’m now completely obsessed with Alice Hoffman’s writing. The book is unique, without traditional chapters, and divided into three distinct parts. It’s an emotional and captivating read with just the right amount of magic to keep my witchy heart happy. Be warned, though: if you're a die-hard fan of the movie, prepare for something a little different—but equally beautiful.
3. The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall
This book is pure escapism! Imagine a magical village, a witty badger familiar (yes, you read that right—a badger!), and plenty of cozy vibes. With a bit of magic and a lot of charm, it’s the perfect feel-good read to enjoy while wrapped up in your favorite blanket.
4. The Mystery in the Margins by L.L. Gray
The world-building in this book is next level! The setting of Havenwood is so richly described, you’ll want to pack up and move there. This isn’t your typical nail-biting mystery—it’s more of a gentle, atmospheric tale with a small-town charm that feels like a mashup of a cozy mystery and Gilmore Girls. Absolutely perfect for fall!
5. Edgar by David Allen Voyles
Okay, okay—I know I just said I’m terrified of horror, but hear me out. Edgar is different. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s life and work, Voyles weaves a spine-tingling re-imagining of Poe’s early years and the inspirations behind his eerie poems. It's chilling, yes, but it leans more into the young adult horror realm, so I managed to make it through with minimal heart palpitations. If you love a little literary horror, this one’s a must-read!
6. The Golem of Brooklyn By Adam Mansbach
(Yes, that Adam Mansbach—the one who wrote Go the F** to Sleep*). This book is still sitting on my nightstand, and while I’m only halfway through, I have to mention it because it’s that good. Mansbach combines Jewish history (both ancient and modern), Jewish folklore, and a hefty dose of Larry David-style humor. Somehow, he manages to weave in a lot of melancholy, too. It’s a fascinating blend that showcases Mansbach as much more than a children's author. I’m already planning to seek out more of his work after spooky season is over.
And there you have it! My cozy, magical reads to get you through spooky season without the jump scares. Stay tuned for more reading recommendations, and don’t forget—The Dryburgh Chronicles Part 1: The Existence of Shadows is still available for FREE on Kindle Unlimited until the end of October.
Happy reading, friends!
August 19, 2024
Waiting Until the End
First, I want to thank every single reader who has provided input and feedback on my first novel. I read every single one and take every single point into consideration as I work towards completion of the Dryburgh Chronicles Part 2.
Recently, I have had a number of ARC readers question the decision to not disclose Lilian as Neuro-divergent until the end, and while I realize this may create some frustration for the readers, I feel that I owe an explanation for this decision.
Not disclosing Lilian as Neurodivergent until the end was entirely intentional.
Why may you ask?
While the book is written to be a quick and easy read my motive for not revealing the diagnosis to the end was one of the more complex decisions I made while writing this book.
There are times throughout the book where Lilian behaves in a way that could be seen as socially unacceptable. For anyone reading it who may not be familiar with the behaviours of someone on the spectrum it may lead to strong feelings of dislike and frustration with Lilian and that is quite honestly the point.
As a neurodivergent person who was diagnosed so late in life, I am INCREDIBLY good at masking in most social situations, but that also creates severe side effects for me, including exhaustion, depression and severe anxiety. Despite the ability to mask, there are also times when that mask just falls away and I am unable to control my response to things in a way that would be considered "normal." Now that I am able to reflect on the moments in my life where my behaviour would be seen as inappropriate, rude, childish or "out of character." (Cue memories of a full fledged, throw myself on the ground temper tantrum that my parents probably remember as well as I do) I now recognize that these behaviours are VERY challenging for neurotypical people to understand. They can be off putting, frustrating, and sometimes make the person resentful of the one behaving in a way they believe to be inappropriate.
In choosing to withhold Lilian’s neurodivergent identity until the end, I aimed to challenge readers to confront their own biases and assumptions about behavior that may seem unconventional. By allowing readers to experience the frustration or discomfort that often arises when someone doesn’t conform to social norms, my hope is that they will reflect on how quick we can be to judge others without understanding their unique perspectives.
This approach mirrors the experience of many neurodivergent individuals who often navigate a world that misunderstands or misjudges their actions. It’s easy to label behavior as inappropriate when we don’t know the full story, but once we understand the underlying reasons, our perceptions can change drastically.
Ultimately, this book is not just a story—it’s an invitation to rethink how we interpret and respond to the behaviors of those around us. By holding off on revealing Lilian’s diagnosis, I hoped to create a space where readers could question their initial reactions and, in doing so, develop a deeper empathy for those who may experience the world differently.
Understanding neurodivergence requires patience, open-mindedness, and a willingness to see beyond the surface. It’s my hope that this story helps foster that understanding and encourages a more compassionate approach to those who walk a different path.
Recently, I have had a number of ARC readers question the decision to not disclose Lilian as Neuro-divergent until the end, and while I realize this may create some frustration for the readers, I feel that I owe an explanation for this decision.
Not disclosing Lilian as Neurodivergent until the end was entirely intentional.
Why may you ask?
While the book is written to be a quick and easy read my motive for not revealing the diagnosis to the end was one of the more complex decisions I made while writing this book.
There are times throughout the book where Lilian behaves in a way that could be seen as socially unacceptable. For anyone reading it who may not be familiar with the behaviours of someone on the spectrum it may lead to strong feelings of dislike and frustration with Lilian and that is quite honestly the point.
As a neurodivergent person who was diagnosed so late in life, I am INCREDIBLY good at masking in most social situations, but that also creates severe side effects for me, including exhaustion, depression and severe anxiety. Despite the ability to mask, there are also times when that mask just falls away and I am unable to control my response to things in a way that would be considered "normal." Now that I am able to reflect on the moments in my life where my behaviour would be seen as inappropriate, rude, childish or "out of character." (Cue memories of a full fledged, throw myself on the ground temper tantrum that my parents probably remember as well as I do) I now recognize that these behaviours are VERY challenging for neurotypical people to understand. They can be off putting, frustrating, and sometimes make the person resentful of the one behaving in a way they believe to be inappropriate.
In choosing to withhold Lilian’s neurodivergent identity until the end, I aimed to challenge readers to confront their own biases and assumptions about behavior that may seem unconventional. By allowing readers to experience the frustration or discomfort that often arises when someone doesn’t conform to social norms, my hope is that they will reflect on how quick we can be to judge others without understanding their unique perspectives.
This approach mirrors the experience of many neurodivergent individuals who often navigate a world that misunderstands or misjudges their actions. It’s easy to label behavior as inappropriate when we don’t know the full story, but once we understand the underlying reasons, our perceptions can change drastically.
Ultimately, this book is not just a story—it’s an invitation to rethink how we interpret and respond to the behaviors of those around us. By holding off on revealing Lilian’s diagnosis, I hoped to create a space where readers could question their initial reactions and, in doing so, develop a deeper empathy for those who may experience the world differently.
Understanding neurodivergence requires patience, open-mindedness, and a willingness to see beyond the surface. It’s my hope that this story helps foster that understanding and encourages a more compassionate approach to those who walk a different path.
August 8, 2024
Creating Space for Autistic Characters
The inspiration for the Dryburgh Chronicles struck me on a train journey through the Scottish Borders with my husband. We were visiting his family, and it was just a few weeks after a psychologist first mentioned "Asperger's" to me, though I hadn’t yet received an official diagnosis. Anyone diagnosed late in life can understand those tumultuous feelings that swing between "This can't be true" and "This explains everything." In those early days of self-exploration.
As I reflected on my life and how others perceived me versus how I saw myself, Lilian emerged in my mind. She was a version of me who embraced her individuality with grace. She stood proudly in her uniqueness, yet was gentle enough to acknowledge the complex emotions that accompanied it. Listening to my husband share tales of Scotland's witchy history, I turned to him and declared, "I'm going to write a book."
But this wouldn't be just any book. It would be a story where people like me could find themselves reflected in the heroine. It would combine the things I love (History, Fantasy, All things witchy) while simultaneously exploring the challenges of a relationship with someone on the spectrum, portrayed with authentic examples of what it is like to love someone who moves through life differently. It would also be an easy read - people on the spectrum are already so misunderstood that I didn't need to complicate that world more but creating a character who was inaccessible to all readers.
When I finally finished the Dryburgh Chronicles I had no intention of actually publishing it, but with the gentle encouragement of my own personal Edgar (Thanks Husband!) I released it. The feedback from others on the spectrum has made the whole process worth while. Notes from readers saying they felt authentically represented made all of my fears subside.
While the story certainly is not everyone's cup of tea, the validation I have received from individuals living a life like mine made every anxious moment worth it.
To every single person who has taken the time to read the story of Lilian and Edgar - Thank you. You are opening the world of literature to allow people like me to finally see themselves as the hero of this own story.
L.P. Halliday
The Dryburgh Chronicles Part 1: The Existence of Shadows
As I reflected on my life and how others perceived me versus how I saw myself, Lilian emerged in my mind. She was a version of me who embraced her individuality with grace. She stood proudly in her uniqueness, yet was gentle enough to acknowledge the complex emotions that accompanied it. Listening to my husband share tales of Scotland's witchy history, I turned to him and declared, "I'm going to write a book."
But this wouldn't be just any book. It would be a story where people like me could find themselves reflected in the heroine. It would combine the things I love (History, Fantasy, All things witchy) while simultaneously exploring the challenges of a relationship with someone on the spectrum, portrayed with authentic examples of what it is like to love someone who moves through life differently. It would also be an easy read - people on the spectrum are already so misunderstood that I didn't need to complicate that world more but creating a character who was inaccessible to all readers.
When I finally finished the Dryburgh Chronicles I had no intention of actually publishing it, but with the gentle encouragement of my own personal Edgar (Thanks Husband!) I released it. The feedback from others on the spectrum has made the whole process worth while. Notes from readers saying they felt authentically represented made all of my fears subside.
While the story certainly is not everyone's cup of tea, the validation I have received from individuals living a life like mine made every anxious moment worth it.
To every single person who has taken the time to read the story of Lilian and Edgar - Thank you. You are opening the world of literature to allow people like me to finally see themselves as the hero of this own story.
L.P. Halliday
The Dryburgh Chronicles Part 1: The Existence of Shadows
