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Over the past few weeks and months, you may have noticed a few changes to how my website and social media platforms look, and also how I am presenting my books, etc.
As I’ve evolved as an author, I’ve been searching for a visual representation that is authentic to me and reflects who I am and the goals I want to achieve with my writing.
One of the first things you may have noticed is that I have barely mentioned The Starlight Prince since it was released.
It’s not because I’m not immensely proud of that book. As I mentioned in my author notes, it was written while I was going through my autism and ADHD diagnosis, and the story holds a special place in my heart as my first completed project since 2020.
But, as is often the case with me, once something is complete, it loses its importance in my mental hierarchy.
While I’m still fond of sexy books and respect those who write them, they’re not where my head or heart are at creatively anymore.
Where IS my head at? Well, as I mentioned in my blog post from March 31 — In Search of my Magnum Opus — I have fallen back in love with my witch triplets.
Since that post two months ago, I’ve been developing the story, written 60k words, and planned a prequel novella that will be part of the Within The Woods anthology from E&E For Readers and Authors Limited, coming 14 October 2025.
I know I said previously I had issues with strict deadlines, and that still holds true for the main story. But with a 25k word limit for the prequel — and with it mostly planned out — I think I’m on the safe side.
Another reason I want to take my time with the full novel is so that I can send out review copies and submit the book for trade reviews (like Kirkus). For my own peace of mind, I want everything complete — betas, edits, formatting — before I announce a release date.
That way, I know the story will be its best version, with plenty of time to reach reviewers.
That’s not to say I plan on resting on my laurels. As I said, I’ve already written 60k words of the story. I’m dedicating June to the prequel novella, but on non-writing days, I’ll be working through the main book with my husband, who is always my first beta reader.
Ideally, by the end of the year, I’ll have the second half written (another 60k words), and will have revised the entire story with my husband. Then I’ll be ready to hand it off to external beta readers and my editor in the new year.
What happens next? I’ll decide in January, when I have a clearer picture of where the book is at.
But my Triquetra series isn’t my only focus for 2025 and beyond.
In February — on the original release date for The Starlight Prince — I launched Clare’s Kindred Book Club.
When I first envisioned it, I pictured a close-knit space where readers and authors could connect, spotlight indie creatives, and raise money for meaningful causes. I also wanted it to be a space to share my books in serialised format.
At first, it was going to be a Patreon-based Discord. But I’ve realised that’s not the kind of community I want to build.
I want something more open. More joyful. More values-driven.
From now on, the Kindred Book Club Discord will be free to join — a welcoming space for all. Paid tiers may come later with optional perks, but the heart of this community will always be about uplifting creatives and championing good causes.
The Kindred Book Club’s first event is coming up in June! Reading With Pride — an LGBTQIA+ indie author spotlight and raffle to raise funds for Stonewall.
The heart of The Kindred Book Club mirrors the heart of the books I want to write. Stories that reflect social injustices — even through a sci-fi/fantasy lens — and make people stop and ask, “Should we be treating each other this way?”
I’m just one person. I won’t change the world overnight, or on my own. But I want my life — my creative work, and my conduct online — to mean something.
This quote from George R.R. Martin sums it up perfectly:
“My own heroes are the dreamers, those men and women who tried to make the world a better place than when they found it, whether in small ways or great ones.”
Whether it’s through books that spark thought, helping other indie authors, or supporting causes that matter — I want to be part of that better world.
Part of my desire to leave the world better than I found it comes from my belief that love is the most powerful force — on Earth and beyond.
Religion isn’t something I used to talk about much. But now, I feel more comfortable expressing my spirituality.
I think my past reluctance came down to two things:
First, Christianity has some negative associations. Understandably so — with groups like Westboro Baptist Church or figures like Trump claiming divine appointment.
But do you think Jesus — who befriended prostitutes and overturned the tables of greedy merchants in the temple — would support those people?
Because I certainly don’t.
I believe Jesus wants us to act with love. Love for ourselves. Love for friends and enemies. Love for the planet, animals, and nature.
Second, I probably don’t look like a stereotypical Christian. I’m queer, neurodivergent, support bodily autonomy, and have a witchy aesthetic — plus, I write fantasy.
But none of those things mean I don’t believe in the power of God or the path They’ve set before me.
What I don’t believe in is how humanity has corrupted the Church and Christianity.
Again, it comes back to love. LGBTQIA+ people are no less deserving of love. Neither are disabled people, or those who’ve had abortions. In fact, I believe choosing not to bring a child into the world under harmful circumstances is an act of love.
As for the fantasy-loving side of me — well, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were both Christians, and prolific fantasy authors.
I’ve always felt ‘othered,’ and I was drawn to the inclusive values of paganism. But now, I see that the love I valued there aligns with God’s true intentions.
So, yes. I’m a Christian, and I’m proud to say that. I bask in the light of God and acknowledge that all I have is thanks to Them.
I’m not here to debate beliefs — believe what you want, as long as you act with love and don’t harm others. That said, I do welcome healthy discussion around anything I’ve shared here.
If you want to comment, you can drop your thoughts in the form below. I’d love to hear from you.
I’m off now to put the finishing touches on Reading With Pride, but expect another post later this June — all about LGBTQIA+ books and why representation matters.
And if you enjoyed this blog post and want similar content sent straight to your inbox, as well as exclusive content not available elsewhere, such as novel excerpts, and custom phone wallpapers and quote cards, please consider signing up for my mailing list: Letters From Clare.
Until then, be kind to yourselves and others. Take care & stay creative.
T.T.F.N.,
