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Being part of Crear Publishing has become one of the most rewarding adventures imaginable. Through ethical indie publishing, K L Crear shares why supporting authors, championing Northern voices and helping more people rediscover a love of reading matters so much.

After more than forty years, K L Crear has finally published Where There’s a Wheel There’s a Way, a children’s story first written at just nine years old. A heartfelt reflection on dreams, storytelling and why it’s never too late to bring something special into the world.

Today approximately thirty of my nearest, dearest and loudest friends will descend en masse upon the Stadium of Light to see Take That. And honestly, Sunderland may never recover. I cannot wait. Like many girls of my generation, teenage me had an absolutely enormous crush on Mark Owen. Proper serious business. Posters on the wall, daydreaming of wedding cake, no doubt writing Mrs Mark Owen in exercise books levels of commitment. Admittedly these days the crush has faded, mos

We wrapped up the weekend with quiz night at Field & Fodder in Bearpark, and against all odds, we won. With help from some very sharp teammates and my questionable but useful knowledge of chocolate bars, victory was ours. Great atmosphere, lovely people and plenty of laughs. We’ll definitely be back to defend our title.

We swapped our usual Sunday lunch for something different at Star of Siam in East Rainton, and it did not disappoint. From incredible satay to Ryan’s unstoppable love of spare ribs, it was a feast to remember. No Yorkshire puddings this time, but honestly, it was more than worth it. Safe to say we’ll definitely be back.

An inspiring book launch at Electric Beacon Books celebrated Natasha Robinson’s powerful poetry collection Words from the Soul. At just sixteen, Natasha shares her journey with epilepsy through deeply moving writing. With a fantastic turnout and emotional readings, this unforgettable event highlighted the power of storytelling and community.

After watching Inside the Manosphere, I’m absolutely fuming. From self-proclaimed “alpha males” being told off by their mums to dismissing Louis Theroux as a nobody, it’s equal parts baffling and ridiculous. A sharp, humorous take on ego, echo chambers and why quiet intelligence still wins every time.

I had a brilliant time at an author event in Blyth, surrounded by books, lovely people and fellow writers. After hours of solitary writing, it felt good to rejoin society, even if only briefly. I even sold a decent stack of books… before immediately spending it all on everyone else’s. A lighter purse, a heavier bag and absolutely no regrets.

There are many reasons I’m lucky to be married to Ryan, but his dislike of Yorkshire puddings is right up there. While he opts for rice on a roast (yes, really), I happily claim his Yorkie pud every time we go out for Sunday lunch. At The Chester Moor, that meant double the golden, gravy-holding perfection. And honestly, that might just be the real secret to a happy marriage.

I have always loved the idea of Feng Shui. Calm spaces, clear surfaces and energy flowing peacefully through the home. In reality, I am a committed maximalist. If there’s a shelf, I will fill it. After eight years in the same house, cupboards were groaning and my exercise bike had become a wardrobe. What began as a quick clear-out turned into three days of emotional negotiations, twenty charity bags and a surprising sense of calm.

As a child I struggled with confidence, a stutter and the feeling of always being the less academic twin. Books became my escape and my lifeline. Within their pages I found freedom, courage and whole worlds waiting to be explored. That’s why the North East Children’s Indie Book Fest means so much to us. On 25th July 2026 we hope to spark that same love of reading in children and remind them that one story really can change everything.

On Saturday we did something that was a complete first for me. We flew to Belfast for the day. Yes, one single, slightly ridiculous, gloriously chaotic day. Breakfast at the markets, sightseeing, a few perfect pints of Guinness and a fabulous gay bar where we danced our hearts out to Celine Dion. Was it exhausting? Absolutely. Memorable? Completely. And honestly, if you can fly to another country for breakfast and be home by bedtime, why wouldn’t you?

Things are buzzing at Casa Crear as we work with an incredible lineup of authors. I’ve been devouring manuscripts and muttering “bloody hell, that’s good” into my tea. The imagination and heart in these stories is unreal. 2026 is shaping up to be a belter, and I cannot wait to get these brilliant books out into the world. Very exciting things are brewing.

I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Leyburn Round Table Christmas Ball at the grand Walworth Castle. Great food, great friends and laughter all night long. Highlights included Ryan and Scott dancing like unhinged bananas to Scooter, a sight I may never recover from. First festive turkey of the season done… only twenty to go. ‘Tis the season.

Shopping local is the easiest way to give yourself the warm and fuzzies. I had such a cracking time at my book signing in the gorgeous Chapters & Chai, a cosy haven that feels like a hug the moment you walk in. Shelves of temptation, the smell of coffee, plush dragons and even an escape room downstairs. Pop along, support a local gem and you might just meet your next favourite author.

We were deeply honoured to receive a letter from Clarence House, written on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, after my sister sent her a copy of Playing with Fire. The letter praised our work supporting women in adversity and our ongoing donations to Women’s Aid. It’s a moment of recognition we’ll treasure, a royal reminder of the power of resilience, courage, and shared experience.

One minute I was minding my own business, the next I was headfirst in the kitchen bin, carbonara and all. Between rogue pets, bruised egos, and my ongoing streak of accidental slapstick, it’s been quite the week. Life really is one part rom-com, two parts chaos, with a generous helping of bin-based humiliation.

From the Biscuit Factory’s glittering charity ball to plans for Whitby’s Goth Weekend, it’s been a whirlwind of ball gowns, laughter and heartfelt moments. Between the glamour, the generosity, and a touch of gothic flair, I was reminded that joy and community often sparkle brightest after the toughest times.

There’s nothing quite as humbling as being stretchered out of your house at 5am by paramedics while the neighbours perform synchronised curtain twitching like they’re auditioning for Rear Window. Blue lights, sirens, and a bruised ego later, I was left marvelling at the NHS; chaotic, kind, and utterly brilliant. Angels in scrubs, every one of them.

After a marathon week of work, we finally took a night off, cue binge-watching The Girlfriend and Unknown Number: The High School Catfish. What started as a chill evening turned into an emotional rollercoaster (and a 4am bedtime). It was chaotic, cathartic, and exactly the kind of pop culture escapism we needed. Highly recommend both shows, but maybe not back-to-back unless you're stocked up on Dairy Milk.