My Regency romantic adventures have evolved since my first novella was published in 2003. Like any discipline, the more you do it the better you become at it. Over fifty novellas and seven novels later, I am delighted to begin 2026 with the publication of a new large print novel. This year instead of writing a list of new year resolutions, changing, and starting anew, I decided to do a kind of mental de-cluttering.

Writing fiction is definitely creative, it also takes determination and dedication. I realised that my desire to be more creative, not just with my writing, had been growing as 2025 was a remarkably busy year with family and friends, enjoying fun times and being supportive in the sad ones.

However, the desire to draw or paint gained even greater pull after seeing Charlie Mackesy’s presentation in December 2025 at The Barbican, London. His beautiful book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse, and the Storm has touched many lives as the packed venue showed. Making time for yourself, by taking time out from commitments, or even doing a job we love, can be hugely restorative.

A visit to a pottery painting session resulted in  this tile of a bird of prey. It is no masterpiece, but the process was totally absorbing.

Quite therapeutic!

It is important to take time out to recharge from the fast pace of life today. I find that art, walking in nature, and yoga offer precious restorative time.

In order to focus on my new projects, I only take private clients for manuscript appraisals after stepping back from working as a Creative Writing Tutor last year.

February is a month that is synonymous with romance, and is also a new beginning for many as Chinese New Year falls within the month. Personally, I am celebrating the large print publication by Ulverscroft. of FOR RICHER, FOR POORER – a sparkling, traditional British, Regency romance novel full of adventure and mystery with a love story at its heart. Published in eBook and paperback by Sapere Books

If reading is your way to relax, and you love a slow burn Regency romance, wrapped around a mystery and adventure then read on…

1815, Yorkshire, England
The war may be over, but the battles of the heart are still raging…

Recently orphaned, Parthena arrives in the North Yorkshire town of Gorebeck to take up a post as a governess.
But when she arrives she realises the family has moved away, and she has no money and nowhere to go.
Cold and alone, she chances upon Jerome Fender – a disillusioned soldier, just returned from war.
Jerome is instantly captivated by Parthena, but when she steals his purse – despite a promise to repay him – he vows to get revenge on her.
As the two are driven together again, it is clear all is not as it seemed…
What happened to Parthena’s employers? Did someone betray her?
And will Jerome ever forgive her act of desperation?

I’d love to hear what your creative outlet is – old or new?

What do you do to switch off and recharge?