Super secret information

Oct 10, 2025 8:39 pm

Kia ora

I didn't email you last month because I was practising good self care and taking a break (after crashing from doing too much). But I'm determined to make it up to you by showering you with secret information in this email.

To help with overwork I purchased a podcast editing tool. I've done some great collaborations; a talk about the sexy bits in Emma with Alice Nagle of Austen After Dark (publishing 1 November) and an interview with Vanessa Kelly author of Murder at Donwell Abbey (on sale November 25th, 2025).

In the footer of this email are links to all of next years Austen Society meetings with a discount code. You get early access, it's being released to attendees at the book club next weekend. Plus I'm toying with the idea of doing a monthly online discussion group, let me know what you think. AND potentially we might create society prints of Austen novels with commentary and illustrations from members - look out for an email in the New Year about that one.

Prior to the last Austen meeting (since I was already dressed up), I had a photo shoot, here's a sneak peak at one of my favourite images. There are photos from the meeting on my Instagram and Youtube, photos from the shoot will appear there soon.

Call it Hope is now going to be released in March 2026 to align with our entry to the NZSA Cuba Press Laura Solomon Prize this year (this hasn't been announced yet). If you'd like to stay updated there's an email list. We're hoping to get physical copies in Unity Books Wellington, Schrödinger's in Petone and Books & Co in Otaki. If you know anyone who might like to stock it, please let me know!

Here's the current (very draft) version of the full cover:

Xmas is coming up:

If you're in Wellington check out @poshtreesnz for tree styling (they might make me a special Austen themed one!)
You can get Austen items on redbubble
Check out the two dead birds puzzle
If you'd like to get me a present you could check out my books, preorder Call It Hope (when it opens), book a writing or coaching session with me (or gift one?)

Taylor Swift is having a killer year (regaining her masters, getting engaged and releasing a new album); last weekend I watched the album release movie and have been listening to The Life of a Showgirl on repeat. Rachel and I did an episode on the podcast about her music in relation to Emma (releasing 8 Nov).

Later today I'm heading back to the movie theatre for a 20 year anniversary screening of Pride and Prejudice, I'll be wearing these earrings which were gifted to me. Next weekend in addition to our book club discussing Sense and Sensibility, there's a reading of Austen's juvenilia interspersed with pieces from local history.