Dear All,
It’s back to school for many people and creatively, the start of September is always a great time for me. I love the thought of starting a new project after a summer of rest – and this year is no exception. I’m cracking on with Little Grey Cells, the next book in the Jessica Sinclair series, and have actually decided to challenge myself to finish the first draft in 12 weeks. Why? Well, partly to distract myself from the diet/dry month I’ve embarked on (hello menopause, this is your waistline calling) and also, to keep myself accountable, which can be pretty difficult when there’s no publisher prodding you with deadlines. I’m recording my daily progress as part of that process, which you can find on Insta @writerfaye. Hopefully it will give readers a window into the world of writing books, and I’m fairly confident will debunk the myth that it’s easy or straightforward!
In terms of other activities, August was pretty quiet, but I did deliver a workshop to the Professional Writing Academy on ‘Writing Through Play’ which was huge fun and well-received. Otherwise I’ve mainly been fielding questions about the book from readers, answering questions like, “Is Ben more Chris Hemsworth or Hugh Jackman?” (Chris, obvs), and the fan favourite, “Is the fish van in the next book?”
Thank you to everyone who has bought and read Kiss, Marry, Murder in the three months since publication. I know I sound like a broken record but if you haven’t yet left a star rating or review on Amazon, it would be really appreciated and make a huge difference to my book being seen or not. In addition, please do share a recommendation on your own social media and tag me @writerfaye (Insta) or @fayebrannwriter (FaceBook). I am truly grateful for every single piece of support you can offer.
Kiss, Marry, Murder is on sale via Amazon and also to order through most bookshops across the UK, North America and beyond. And, if you’ve never read my award-winning debut Tinker, Tailor, Schoolmum, Spy, why not check it out as well?
Happy back to school! Fx
WHAT I’M READING THIS MONTH I planned to carve out loads of reading time on bank holiday break in Italy but I got weirdly into crosswords and these, along with some rain that kept me from lazy days by the pool, meant I didn’t get through as much as I thought I would. However, I did manage to read The Palazzo by Kayte Nunn, which I think might have been a new release I saw on the Crime Writers Association social media pages but honestly I can’t remember!
Anyway – it was enjoyable enough as a closed circle murder mystery, probably not the best I’ve read and I didn’t love the final twist, if I’m honest – but the location description was spot on and the characters were spicy enough to keep me interested – which I guess is all you really need for a quick beach read!
WHAT I’M WATCHING THIS MONTH August has never really been the month for top TV, and so I’ve been reverting to emergency services ‘wardrobe staples’ like the new season of Chicago Fire (don’t judge me), Ballard – cold case crime from the world of Bosch, and Countdown – the story of a special task force saving the world with hot cops and pithy one-liners. All these shows were a reasonably enjoyable way to spend a few hours although not the general level of brilliance of big hitters like Slow Horses and Reacher. September releases are all looking promising so I’m sure there will be plenty to get my teeth into as the nights draw in!
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WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS MONTH
This month is all about the writing for me. Dieting and writing. And going into rehearsals for my next show, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, at Richmond Theatre in Feb 2026. I’m playing one of the Grandmas, which should keep me entertained when I’m not scribbling.
Back in writer world, Comedy Women in Print are hosting a second ‘Author Event’ on 2nd October which I’ve helped to put together along with founder Helen Lederer and co-CWIPster Kathleen Whyman, so if you are a witty woman writer and fancy meeting like-minded individuals to talk all things writing and publishing, grab yourself a ticket here before they sell out. There are also some incredible writerly raffle prizes on offer, tickets for this will be for sale on the night.
AND FINALLY … I’m now taking bookings for book club nights, blogs, podcast and workshop opportunities in winter and into 2026. If you would like me to come along and talk about my books, writing mid-life female characters, writing through play, or generally about life, the menopause and everything, please get in touch at fayebrannwriter@gmail.com. If you’re part of a bookclub, visit my ‘books’ pages on the website and download a bookclub pack for either Kiss, Marry, Murder or Tinker, Tailor, Schoolmum, Spy. They contain some discussion questions about the book, a short essay from me and MOST importantly, a cocktail recipe!
Have a wonderful month!
Faye x
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