---
title: The October That Needed an Exorcism (and a Nap) — AKA My October Update
description: A month of PMDD, chaos, and creativity — October needed an exorcism (and a nap), but the vampires are thriving.
image: https://claredugmore.com/hubfs/Oct%20Round%20up.png
---

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 March 31, 2026

# The October That Needed an Exorcism (and a Nap) — AKA My October Update

![Picture of Clare Dugmore](https://claredugmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Clare%20April%2023.jpg?width=50&name=Clare%20April%2023.jpg) By  [Clare Dugmore](https://claredugmore.com/blog/author/clare-dugmore)  ·   3 minute read

Remember last month when I said, *“This month wasn’t as bad as previous ones,”* about the PMDD situation?

Famous last words!

PMDD kicked in a few days later — right as I started HRT as treatment for it. I’m sure, in the long term, it’ll help, but right now I’m just adjusting to the hormonal rollercoaster.

I actually wrote a longer blog post about my experience as a neurodivergent woman seeking treatment for PMDD.

**Spoiler alert:** Some doctors *suck!*

➡️ [The Day I Realised Patients Shouldn’t Have to Fact-Check Their Doctor](https://claredugmore.com/blog/the-day-i-realised-patients-shouldnt-have-to-fact-check-their-doctor)

To add to the stress, Oldest knocked over a candle and had to go to A&E for burns. It’s healing well now, and Hubby has been a saint — going to all the hospital appointments with him — but for a few days, it was traumatising A.F.

So yes, all this to say, I didn’t write as much as I planned to in October. But I did set one goal for myself. With **Novel November** coming up, I wanted to hit 20k for *Kiss Me After the Kill* so I could head into the new month with Act One complete.

And I achieved it! 🎉

Now my aim for November is to write 50k. If I manage that, then — added to the 20k I already have — I’ll have a huge chunk of *KMATK* written! My overall goal is 82k. Whether I write the final 12k in December or January, we’ll see how much of a break I need after completing Novel November.

---

## ✍️ Write On! — My NaNo Alternative

This year, I’m once again hosting my own NaNoWriMo alternative: **Write On!**

Over the last decade, I’ve taken part in NaNoWriMo countless times. It’s an incredible tool for writers of all levels — but while the idea of writing a novel in November is inspiring, the official organisation has grown problematic in ways I can’t ignore. That said, the *spirit* of the challenge still holds so much value.

That’s why Write On! offers a kinder, more nurturing alternative — with encouragement, community, and accountability, but without the pressure.

This year, the event will unfold across the **Kindred Creativity Club**, its social media pages, and [a free dedicated Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/465566844059787).

**Expect:**  
✨ One live writing sprint each week (via Google Meet)  
✨ Daily check-ins and a weekly *“Celebrate Your Wins”* post  
✨ Motivational prompts and progress reflections  
✨ Space to share your story ideas and talk all things writing

As an extra incentive, our friends at the [**Write Here, Write Now** community](https://www.facebook.com/groups/677317814914178) (from Karen Sanders Editing) are joining us again! Members of WH, WN will have access to bonus sprints — and Karen is offering a **50% discount** on one month’s membership for November.

[Use code **KINDRED50** when you sign up to claim your spot](https://karen-sanders-editing.teachable.com/p/karen-sanders-editing-membership).

In the Write On! group, I’ve also shared a series of free November resources — including a calendar and word tracker — for anyone taking part in Novel November. These freebies are available to newsletter subscribers too, along with a sneak peek from *KMATK* and a preview of the gorgeous character art I commissioned from my artist and author friend [N.S. Armstrong](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551912294818).

🖤 [Subscribe to my newsletter here](https://claredugmore.com/letters-from-clare) to grab the November graphics, art sneak peek, and three unreleased shorts as a bonus!

---

## ❄️ Coming Soon: *A Winter’s Kiss*

Looking ahead, I’ve decided to re-publish my Frosty-the-Snowman-inspired spicy romantasy short, which originally appeared in the *Write Here, Write Now – Step Into Christmas* anthology last year.

It’s been retitled **A WINTER’S KISS** and will be released on **December 2**.

I have a cover reveal and pre-order announcement scheduled for **November 5**, and I’d love your help spreading the word!

If you’re interested in joining the reveal, you can sign up here:  
👉 [https://forms.gle/dxPUpzjEYjKfLNhLA](https://forms.gle/dxPUpzjEYjKfLNhLA)

---

## 🌸 New Story Seeds

Amid all the hormone changes, *KMATK* progress, and Write On! prep, a new story idea bloomed — with potential to expand into a short series. I plan to write it in the new year as part of **Snowy Wings Publishing’s** annual anthology.

Right now, my plan is for a cozy fantasy set in a magical school, featuring a sapphic rivals-to-lovers romance. I’m *so* excited — but I’m holding myself back until *KMATK* is complete!

---

## 🎮 Other Adventures

I’ve been taking some time out for fun things, too — like playing **Pokémon Legends: Z-A** … which I’ve since abandoned because I *hate* fighting mega evolutions! 😂

At least my character looks cute, though, right?

![IMG_0394](https://claredugmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0394.webp?width=500&height=281&name=IMG_0394.webp)

I’ve also been deeply engrossed in **Philip Pullman’s *The Book of Dust: The Rose Field.*** I adore the *His Dark Materials* series and love what Pullman did with both the prequel and sequel. The new series beautifully captures that awkward transition from childhood to young adulthood — that feeling of not quite knowing who you are or where you fit in.

Without revealing spoilers, I have an ending I’d prefer, but recent developments are making me prepare for something else… and I don’t hate it. I’ll share full thoughts once I’ve finished the book (and the internet has had time to process it).

All that to say — I’m enjoying it very much! 📖

---

That’s everything for this month — and it’s about time to go make dinner, so I’ll leave it here.

Until next time — stay safe, keep creating, and may your words flow as freely as your imagination.

**T.T.F.N.**  
![Sig Sept 25](https://claredugmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sig%20Sept%2025.png?width=200&height=100&name=Sig%20Sept%2025.png)

 

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