This series had me hooked from the start – it both satisfied the expectations you had from a YA fantasy novel with a female protagonist, yet it was also original enough to keep you interested and invested in what happened next.

I’m happy to say I’m back to blogging – in this quick update I share what I’ve been up to in my time off, from copywriting and reading new books, to starting piano lessons.

It is completely different to Harry Potter, except for the British-ness of course, and the presence of gossiping neighbours (reminiscent of the Dursleys). The story follows multiple characters living in the small English town of Pagford (a fictitious place), and the ramifications of the unexpected death of local council member, Barry Fairbrother.

When reading about this series online I saw a review from a woman who said the books would appeal mostly to boys. I have to disagree wholeheartedly here – not once while being engrossed in these books did it occur to me that these were books better suited to boys, or that it should matter that the main character was a boy. I love fantasy and adventure, period, and this series had plenty of that.

I believe having goals written down, so they are tangible, in-front-of-your-face, preferably somewhere where you can look at them often, makes a big difference in your effort to realise those goals. It makes you remember them. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day routine of your life that they can easily slip your mind otherwise. And who’s going to call you out on it if you do? You’re only accountable to yourself.

There’s a reason Brown’s books are bestsellers – they’re just so darn entertaining. But while I was entertained, I couldn’t help but have my writer’s hat on while reading. There’s so much to learn, especially about pacing, structure, and the way information is given to the reader.