Month: August 2025

  • Behind The Scenes

    5 mistakes my heroines always make

    Look, I love my leading ladies. Fiercely. Possessively. Like they’re my slightly dysfunctional magical daughters and I’ll fight anyone who tries to hurt them. But let me tell you something: they mess up. A lot. And I love them even more for it. Because real growth doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from magical mistakes, unwise decisions, and emotionally loaded ‘what the hell was I thinking?’ moments.

    Here are five of my fave heroine screw-ups — and why they matter.

    Thinking logic will save the day

    My girls love a good plan. A strategy. A magical flowchart. (Gee, wonder where they get that from.)

    But the truth? Magic doesn’t always play fair. And no amount of perfectly structured spellcasting will protect you from messy feelings, unexpected betrayals, or that hot brooding vampire with an agenda.

    Why I love it: Because they try. They use their brains. And when it doesn’t work? They adapt. That’s power.

    Falling for the wrong dude

    Ah yes. The ‘bad decision in a leather jacket’ problem. Whether it’s a cursed assassin, a morally grey fae lord, or a haunted librarian with a vendetta, they always think they can handle it. Spoiler: They can’t. At first.

    Why I love it: Because it shows hope. Curiosity. The kind of heart that believes even dudes with tough exteriors deserve love. That kind of bravery breaks me every time.

    Breaking the magical rules (with flair)

    There’s always that one moment where they know the rule, and they break it anyway. To save someone. To get revenge. To prove a point. And of course, it backfires gloriously.

    Why I love it: Because rules are for the unmagical. My heroines are chaos goblins in cute boots. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

    Waiting too long to ask for help

    It’s not pride, exactly. It’s trauma. It’s stubbornness. It’s fear of being let down again. So they carry too much, too long — until it cracks them.

    Why I love it: Because when they do finally reach out, the healing is so damn satisfying. Watching them learn they don’t have to do it alone? Chef’s kiss.

    Letting rage lead the spell

    Sometimes my girls go full wrath-mode. They burn too hot. They lash out. They destroy things they wish they hadn’t. And they feel it.

    Why I love it: Because women are allowed to be angry. Loud. Vengeful. And powerful. Watching my heroines learn to own that instead of suppress it? That’s the real transformation.

    What all of this really means is…

    Mistakes don’t make my heroines weak. They make them real. Complex. Worth rooting for. They teach readers—and me—that redemption, growth, and love are all the sweeter when they’re earned. So yeah, my heroines mess up. But they learn. They rise. They save themselves.

    And that’s exactly how I like my magic.

    Got a favourite heroine mistake? One you relate to a little too much? Tell me in the comments!

  • Self care

    Hexual healing: getting through bad days as a witch

    Let’s be honest—some days just need hexing.

    Maybe your coffee spilled, your brain refused to focus, or Mercury’s in retrograde again and your inbox is possessed. As a neuro-spicy, witchy author who juggles characters, chaos, and chronic tiredness like flaming swords… I get it. And when those bad days hit, I don’t just cope… I conjure.

    Here are a few of my favourite low-spoons, high-impact, hex-the-blues-away rituals. Easy. Magical. Yours to steal.

    The lavender latte exorcism

    Grab your favourite mug. Brew something warm and comforting. My go-to? A lavender oat milk latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon (and a generous dose of rebellion).

    While it steeps, stir it three times and say:

    “Today may be chaos, but I am the storm.”

    It’s not just a drink — it’s a declaration. And I promise that it’ll have you feeling in control by the third incantation!

    The ‘Not today, Satan’ smoke cleanse

    Burn something. I’m serious. Incense, a dried herb bundle, or your to-do list if you’re feeling particularly rebellious. Open a window, let that stale energy flee, and visualise yourself cloaked in protective glitter and utter disregard for anyone else’s nonsense. Bonus points if you wear a robe. Extra bonus points if it’s velvet.

    The familiar therapy technique

    Spend fifteen minutes with your pet. Or your plant. Or even a favourite rock you’ve named ‘Steve’. Talk to them. Complain. Laugh. Cry. Let your little creature of comfort ground you. Familiars don’t judge. They vibe. And sometimes, that’s all you need.

    The mirror charm

    This one? Sexy and powerful. Stand in front of the mirror, look yourself dead in the eye, and say:

    “I am made of starlight and spite. Today will bow before me.”

    You don’t have to feel like a badass to be one. The spell works whether you believe it or not.

    The tiny ritual of letting go

    Write down what’s weighing on you — even just one sentence. Fold it up. Light a candle. Hold the paper over the flame (safely, of course, darling) and whisper:

    “I release you. I reclaim my energy.”

    Then chuck that paper in a fire-safe dish and watch it burn. It’s drama. It’s theatre. It’s instant relief!

    The bottom line is…

    Self-care isn’t about perfection. It’s about power—reclaiming just enough of your magic to make it through the day without turning someone into a toad (tempting though it may be). So next time life kicks you in the broomstick, try a little witchy rebellion. Because bad days happen… but you? You happen harder.

    P.S. Got a ritual of your own? Drop it in the comments. I live for a good low-effort spell suggestion 🔥

  • Update

    August update

    Hello, my lovelies!

    Can you believe we’re already in August? While the rest of the world melts into their sofas in the winter sun (hello, fellow Aussies 🥶), I’ve been on fire in all the best ways, which is why I didn’t even manage a July update—woops!

    🏆 Accolades to make me blush (but not really)

    So, this happened…

    • Winner of the 2025 ROAR Award for Best Blogger/Writer/Author — which means you lot have been roaring your support and I couldn’t be more grateful.
    • Winner of the 2025 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense for Best Published Cozy Mystery — Ghost Appeal is apparently just as appealing to judges as it is to readers.
    • And just to really drive the point home: Judges’ Top Pick for the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Cozy Mystery (yes, also for Ghost Appeal — she’s the moment, darling—Sleepy Hollow is taking off!).

    Can I get a hell yes?

    ✍️ Currently writing

    • Still lovingly immersed in the haunting charm of Ghost Interrupted (Sleepy Hollow #2). She needed a few plot amendments (because of course she did), but she’s coming together like magic—and I am loving every eerie twist.
    • I’m also deep in a re-read of Kiss of Death and Cheating Death while plotting Death Warmed Up—Bunny’s final story. What do you want to see in her swan song? More mayhem? More magical meddling? More snogs with Death himself? Hit me up with your thoughts!
    • Speaking of steamy things… I’m eyeing a bit of a relaunch for my spicy alter ego Lucy Lark. If you’ve got a taste for the sinfully supernatural, I chatted with the fabulous ladies at The Plot With a Twist about Dreadful Desires (Monsters of Whitechapel #1). You can catch the podcast episode here (and yes, I dish some juicy behind-the-scenes).
    • Oh, and there’s a super-secret-sexy-story in the works. No hints yet, but I’m dying to see your guesses 👀

    💃 Life, lately

    • My tiny queen, Juniper the mini dachshund, continues to reign supreme in this house. She’s perfect. I will not be taking questions.
    • After months of recovery, I’m finally back in the dance studio! Hoping for a full surgical clearance this month so I can truly unleash my inner ballroom diva.
    • I’ve been doing a bit of home reno—small touches, some new decor, just enough to freshen things up and lift the ol’ mood. Are you into decorating? What’s your favourite project you’ve ever done?

    That’s me for now, darlings. As always, thank you for being here—for reading, for supporting, for loving these weird little worlds I create. I’ve got so many exciting things coming your way. Stay tuned, stay spooky, and stay fabulous. 💋

    With love always 💜