Your book cover is the first thing readers notice. It tells a story before a single word is read. In this post, I explore how to research effective covers, balance genre expectations, use symbolism, experiment with DIY or AI tools, and collaborate with professionals to create a visually compelling design that truly represents your story.

Dan Brown’s The Secret of Secrets is a richly detailed and fast-paced thriller that takes readers deep into the heart and history of Prague. Although it runs longer than expected, the novel showcases Brown’s signature blend of history, mystery, and high-stakes adventure. The vivid descriptions of the city’s architecture and culture make it an immersive read, even if they sometimes slow the pace. For fans of Robert Langdon or those who enjoy intricate historical thrillers fill

Creating characters is at the heart of any great story. They don’t need to be likable, but they should be relatable and dynamic. I lean on books like Creating Characters and Write Great Dialogue to help me develop characters that speak with authenticity and depth, making sure they truly resonate with the reader.

Outlining doesn’t have to be a creativity killer – it’s about striking a balance between structure and the freedom to let your imagination soar. By using Excel to track scenes and POVs, I ensure consistency in character arcs and narrative flow, without losing sight of the creative spark that keeps me motivated.

Every writer develops a set of tools that suit their creative process. From Scrivener for plotting and card organization, LivingWriter for mobile editing, Excel for scene matrices, to Word for manuscript flow, each platform has its strengths. Choosing the right tool can boost productivity, streamline revisions, and help you bring stories to life more efficiently.

Revisiting Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier was a true pleasure. The story, characters, and Manderley itself remain unforgettable. Even after multiple reads, it captivated me like the first time. If you have not yet discovered this classic, it is a must-read.

I’m thrilled to introduce my debut novel, Hunted, a dark psychological thriller releasing in March 2026. Follow Anna, a journalist caught in a deadly game of survival where the powerful hunt those who have crossed them. A story of truth, redemption, and resilience, Hunted asks how far you’d go to uncover the secrets that could destroy you.

After twenty years developing the Twisted Series, I’m finally stepping into self-publishing with my debut novel. This post shares my journey, the fears, the feedback, and the strategy behind choosing a standalone book first. It’s an honest look at embracing the publishing process, learning from beta readers, and taking control of my writing career while preparing for the Twisted Series release.

Welcome to my new blog, launching on 11 November 2025! Here I share book reviews, reflections on inspiring stories, and insights into my writing journey, including my debut novel, The Watcher's Prey (to be released in March 2026), the upcoming standalone novel, Three Little Lies, and the Twisted Series. Sign up to become an ARC reader and join me for regular updates and exclusive content.

They Will Kill You Next is a dialogue-driven thriller that races forward with relentless energy, offering quick, engaging exchanges and plenty of plot twists. While its fast pace makes for an easy, cinematic read, the novel’s heavy reliance on dialogue sometimes comes at the cost of depth and clarity. Despite these flaws, its suspenseful momentum and unpredictable turns will keep readers hooked until the end.

It’s rare that I get the opportunity to read a book cover to cover in one sitting, but Not Your Child by Lis Angus captivated me from the...

Evie Woods’ The Lost Bookshop is a delightful and evocative tale that masterfully weaves romance, mystery, and hope into a story that...