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I’ll see you at the bookshop!
20 of the Best Jacqueline Wilson Characters
I can’t think of a more iconic children’s author than Jacqueline Wilson. A previous children’s laureate with more than 100 books to her name, JW’s titles have been read and enjoyed by multiple generations of kids.
But out of all of those books, which are the characters that stand out the most? I’ve had a look through Jackie’s back catalogue and picked out 20 of her absolute finest - let me know if you agree!
An Interview with Lauren James, Author of The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker
The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker is one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year. Not only is it written by the wonderful UKYA writer Lauren James, but it’s also her first fantasy book and features a gang of magical, 18-year-old ghosts.
A huge thanks to all of you who submitted your burning questions for Lauren to answer over on my Instagram - read on to hear all the juicy details about her new book. Enjoy!
An Interview with Alice Oseman
Alice Oseman is one of my favourite authors. For those of you who are new to her work, Alice is a brilliant UKYA writer, with four published novels to her name and one fantastic webcomic, Heartstopper. Naturally, I’ve been super excited to read her brand new book, Loveless, and jumped at the chance to find out more about her latest cast of characters.
I took to Instagram and asked you guys to submit some questions for Alice all about Loveless; thanks so much to everyone who submitted a question, there were loads of great ones and I selected the best to feature as part of this interview.
Self Published Authors, Here's Why You Need to Enter the North Street Book Prize
The world of book publishing is one crowded party. It’s estimated that between 600,000 and 1million books are published every year across the globe, and that’s not counting the millions of titles already in print, jostling for competition with each new release. Well, here’s an opportunity that will set you apart from the rest, and has some amazing prizes that will help you to up your marketing game.
Jacqueline Wilson Book Recommendations
Jacqueline Wilson is one of the UK’s most prolific children’s authors. With more than 100 books to her name, Jackie is a former children’s laureate and a childhood favourite for several generations of kids. She’s truly a national treasure and, while her books are brilliant for children, I’ve really enjoyed revisiting them as an adult. Here are 15 of the best Jacqueline Wilson books that you should read, regardless of your age.
A Day in the Life of an Assistant Editor in Book Publishing
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in book publishing? Just a few years ago I had pretty much no idea what anyone in the industry really did – despite having a keen interest in books and how they’re made. It all seemed so mysterious and elusive. What was the life of a book editor like? Would I even enjoy it? As it turns out, yes, I would, but at the time I had no idea!
How to Build a Reading Fort in Your Own Home
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own secluded reading space, with blankets draped across the walls and filled with cushions to lounge on, then you’re in the right place. Here I’ve put together a step-by-step guide that will show you how to construct your own reading fort, using items from around your home.
6 Books to Read about Depression
Here’s the truth: 1 in 4 people will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, yet for some reason there’s still a huge stigma attached to suffering from a mental health problem. Slowly but surely we’re starting to talk, to our friends and family, online and in the media, but there’s still a long way to go until mental health is viewed as seriously as physical health. Until treatment is readily available to those who are ill, and until shame and secrecy don’t come attached to the diagnosis of a mental illness.
Review: The Old Bookshop Grab Bag by Vendula London
I can’t quite remember when I first stumbled upon Vendula London’s beautiful bags, but I do know that once I set my eyes on their Old Bookshop Grab Bag, I just had to have it. Fast forward to Christmas day; I’m ripping off the wrapping paper and there it is, just as wonderful as I’d hoped. The best bag that I’ve ever owned.
An Interview with Fiona Thomas, Author of Depression in a Digital Age
Fiona grew up in the 80s, a simpler time, perhaps, without Facebook, iPhones and presidents causing wars on Twitter. But by her mid twenties, she was caught up in a spiral of perfectionism, anxiety and depression - no longer able to function and signed off from work. Fiona’s brilliant book, Depression in a Digital Age, details her journey from childhood to university, through to a breakdown during her early career. Turning to the internet for help, the digital world was a huge part of Fiona’s recovery and helped her to rebuild her life and regain her confidence.
Where to Get Free Audiobooks
I love Audiobooks. They really are such a great way to consume literature - you can listen to them while walking or doing the washing up, and a great voice actor can really bring a story to life. The only problem is that they can be quite pricy, and many of us can’t afford to pay for a monthly subscription service, myself included.
Why I Love Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Red, White and Royal Blue has very much been one of the books of the summer on bookstagram this year. Not only was it recently nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award, but I’ve seen it absolutely everywhere on the internet these past few months; I think it’s safe to say that it’s been incredibly hyped up. So naturally, I was hesitant to read it myself despite being intrigued by the synopsis. Well, I’m here to let you know that Red While and Royal Blue is an absolutely fantastic read, and here’s why.
7 Fiction Books for University Students
I don’t know about you, but I really feel like there’s a complete lack of stories that are set at university. In fact, there seems to be a total lack of books for people who have grown older than the characters in YA, but don’t quite see themselves represented in general fiction. I’d love to see more books for people in their late teens and early twenties, but for now, here are seven great books I’ve read that are set at university. I hope that you love them!
Welcome to the Viking Skaga - one of Viking Cruises’ noble river ships. She takes her name from an ancient Norse myth, where the Valkyrie Skaga rode into battle and escorted the dead to Valhalla, before preparing them to fight in the epic battle of Ragnarok.
A relatively new ship, the Viking Skaga only entered the fleet in 2020. At just 410 feet and carrying 168 guests and 48 crew, she was built specifically to sail down the Seine in France, although the specific itinerary will vary depending on the time of year. I was fortunate enough to join the ship for her week long Christmas on the Seine cruise, which starts and ends in Paris, calling at Vernon, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Honflour (via an excursion) and Les Andelys along the way.