General News

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.

Crear Publishing is thrilled to launch the first-ever North East Indie Book Fest this Saturday! Join us for a lively afternoon of author talks, bookish chat, networking, wine, and fundraising for Women’s Aid Newcastle. With a packed raffle, amazing speakers, and a brilliant indie vibe, it’s set to be a truly special event celebrating independent publishing in the North East.

Crear Publishing was out in South Shields for Write Festival 2025, joining a BIPC panel alongside brilliant authors and publishing pros. We shared our indie publishing insights, connected with passionate creatives, and left with aching feet and buzzing brains. The day sparked exciting conversations and new opportunities, we might just be on the cusp of some fantastic partnerships with indie authors. What a day!

I’m thrilled with the fresh look. The colour scheme has had a glow-up, gone is the soft chick-lit pink, and in its place is something a little bolder, a little darker. It's reflective of where I'm headed creatively.

I’ve always had a soft spot for a good horror story. There’s something strangely comforting about being scared witless, maybe it’s the twisted reassurance that, no matter how chaotic your life is, at least you’re not tearing through the woods in a ripped white nightie, pursued by a maniac with a rusty hatchet.

Last Saturday, I had the absolute joy of attending the third birthday celebration at Featherbed Books, one of my all-time favourite...

Crear Publishing is thrilled to be organising and sponsoring the very first Northeast Indie Book Fest on 20th September at Field & Fodder, Durham. Tickets have completely sold out, and we’re gearing up for an afternoon of brilliant local authors, bookish banter, wine, and enough cheese to sink a ship. It’s set to be a cracking celebration of indie publishing and we can’t wait to raise a glass with fellow book lovers!

Taking place in the heart of the Northeast, this exciting event brings together a fantastic line-up of local indie authors for a day of books, conversation, and community. Your £9.50 ticket includes a complimentary drink, delicious charcuterie, entry into our prize-packed raffle, and the chance to meet and support talented writers from the region. Whether you’re a passionate reader, a book collector, or just looking for a great day out, the Northeast Indie Book Fest is the pe

<p>The older I get the younger I feel. Let me explain what I mean. Yes, my body is decrepit and every day something else seems to be aching and falling apart but my mind seems to be more frivalous and up for fun and adventure than it ever was. I don&#8217;t know if it has [&hellip;]</p>

<p>My Christmas novella is well underway! It&#8217;s a modern comical spin on one of my favourite books &#8211; Charles Dicken&#8217;s A Christmas Carol (as that&#8217;s never been done before :)) I&#8217;m really loving writing it and hoping to have it out in the world very soon! Keep tuned for updates. Karen xx</p>

<p>Happy Halloween everyone! I&#8217;m currently curled up reading &#8220;Victorian Gothic&#8221; by D R Miller. Not my usual genre to read but perfect for a gloomy Halloween binge. It&#8217;s so atmospheric and the writing is beautifully descriptive as well as being pretty damn scary too! Might not sleep tonight.</p>

<p>The follow up book to Playing with Fire &#8211; The true story of Fireman Scam is well under way. I am working on it most days with Coleen over the telephone. Getting to catch up with her in person tomorrow so really looking forward to that. Will be great to go out for lunch and [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Had a lovely day out today &#8211; a bit of retail therapy and then scampi and chips at a local pub with my lovely daughter. Managed to get a designer  black velvet top for £8 from a great new charity megastore called &#8220;Daisy Chain&#8221; at Team Valley. It is going to be absolutely pefect for [&hellip;]</p>