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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
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.
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 (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.
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.
🖤 Subscribe to my newsletter here 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
🌸 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?
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.
