General News

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?

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>