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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...

I’m knee-deep in writing my Christmas novella… which so far involves equal parts typing, Pringles, Wagon Wheels and Classic Corrie (Deirdre’s perm is pure inspiration). The story’s still finding its way, but with a little less faffing and a lot more typing, I’m aiming for a Christmas 2025 release. Keep your mince pies warm and your mulled wine ready festive magic is on its way, slowly but surely!

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!

Childhood magic revived! I’m thrilled to announce that Humphrey, the self-conscious tortoise I created at age ten, is finally stepping into the world. The brilliant Kylie Dixon MBE will be bringing him to life with her beautiful illustrations. Work begins this November, and I’ll be sharing sneak peeks along the way. Slow and steady wins the race and Humphrey’s adventure is just beginning!

I’m working on my new Christmas novella, The Christmas Rift, featuring two eccentric, unpredictable characters who could be “delightfully quirky” or “completely lost the plot.” Writing about thirty-somethings is a fun change from my usual cast, though the ending is proving tricky. Meanwhile, the Playing with Fire screenplay is moving forward — a pinch-me project fuelled by Yorkshire Tea and far too many Jammie Wagon Wheels.

I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside the ridiculously talented Steve Attridge, yes, that Steve Attridge, the man who’s written for...

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>We have got some fabulous scenes for the screenplay completed and have already had some interest from a couple of production companies. We&#8217;re keeping everything crossed.</p>

<p>Exciting times. We are now working with a screenplay writer to bring Playing with Fire to the small screen. Eeeek! Watch this space.</p>

<p>My Christmas novella &#8220;A Christmas Caroline&#8221; is available NOW! It is a comic retelling of the Dickens&#8217; classic. Perfect for a quick read with a hot chocolate and mince pie or a big old glug of Baileys. The book would also make a fab christmas present too. It is available on paperback, ebook and on [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Eeeek!!! the Channel 4 documentary is coming out at 9pm on Monday 21st October. It might be time to hide behind the sofa hahaha</p>

<p>Should be hearing any day now when the documentary will be aired on channel 4. We have been told it will be some time in October. Wee bit nervous of it being out in the world but hopeful that it will help many people and with luck help sell some books which in turn will [&hellip;]</p>

<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>I had a great time talking with Caroline from Luxe Magazine about the long and winding road I travelled to finally have the courage to write my fiction novels. &nbsp; If you fancy reading this article click on the link below: &nbsp; Luxe Magazine article</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>Coleen is talking to an American company who produce a true life podcast series and they&#8217;re hopefully interested in covering our story. It&#8217;s an incredibly successful series so far so fingers crossed we could be get our story out Stateside soon!!</p>

<p>Very excited to announce that we have released audio books for &#8220;Playing with Fire&#8221; and &#8220;Healing from the burns&#8221;. These are available on Audible and Amazon now. Coleen had hoped to voice the books hereself but after several months of trying we decided to throw in the towel and get a professional in to help. [&hellip;]</p>

<p>I&#8217;m busy writing the third instalment in the &#8220;Teapots &amp; Tequila Shots&#8221; series. It is the much anticpated &#8220;Evelyn Weaver is a Later Life Diva.&#8221; It&#8217;s great fun to write about an older character. Just because we get older doesnt mean we lose our sense of fun or adventure and nor should we. I am [&hellip;]</p>

<p>&#8220;Lila Glover Wants a Lover&#8221; is out now! Laugh along with Lila&#8217;s disastrous dating life and see if she ends up winning Seb&#8217;s heart. It&#8217;s a light hearted read that will have you in stitches.</p>