Category: The Delevan Diaries

As we enter the 7th month of 2023, and I realise that my next module results for my degree are due this month, I’m pausing for a quick recap of the year so far. I’m pausing, not panicking.

Health-wise, I hate to admit that it’s been another trying year. Since contracting covid last July, then again in January, my lungs have struggled, and fatigue has plagued my body and mind. Of course, the nature of my life—caring for and educating young children, caring for the adopted animals, and running a home and business, means there’s little time for proper rest and solid sleep, but that sickness has added another weight. And, lest we forget, there’s this writing gig!

Nonetheless, I still breathe, even through crackles, pain and coughs. The wheel keeps turning, and for now, I’m still on it.

January’s focus was liaising with early readers of Delevan House and grinding over those pre-publication checks to ensure a smooth release of digital and print editions.

February saw the launch of that debut novel, Delevan House, co-written with Ruthann Jagge.

With the development of our collaborative Brazen Folk Horror brand, I’ve tightened up our logo design. I continue to work tirelessly on refining the website and managing both solo sites to reflect the work.

Ruthann and I have co-written a few short stories for select invites, which will be published later this year.

My literary partner in Brazen Folk Horror was keen for us to develop a newsletter, something that I wasn’t entirely on board with, but one day I began designing, and the Brazen Folk Horror zine was born. Our quarterly #bebrazen launched on June 21st digitally exclusively for subscribers, with the print edition releasing to the public on July 5th.

Weekly updates on Brazen Folk Horror have continued throughout the year (which are also shared here). However, these will now wind down with the newsletter launch and focus sharpening on The Delevan Diaries, which releases late this year.

I have been selective with the Word Refinery workload, taking on smaller editorial, copywriting and graphic projects only, so that clients get the attention their projects deserve. I may open my diary for a couple of larger manuscripts next year, but spaces will be limited. Clients are encouraged to contact me now. Spaces are not guaranteed.

I have also had little space to accept invites to external projects, as I have done previously. An exception was made for KJK Publishing’s Kevin J. Kennedy when he invited me to write a short piece for Inside the World of Indie Horror, which is out now.

My home has welcomed a few adoptees this year—two ex-caged hens (Yvie Oddly and Brooke Lyn Hytes) adopted from British Hen Welfare Trust joined us in March and have now merged happily with the existing flock for their retirement. Supporting their transition can be a lot of work and requires patience, but it is worth every second. Since taking on our first rescue hens a year ago, I have learnt so much about this wonderful avian species and still am. Unfortunately, because of how they are bred and commodified in the animal agriculture industry, they can experience many health complications that can quickly become fatal. For the most part, I’ve effectively managed issues at home. However, loss is inevitable at times, and one of our girls, sweet Bimini, had to be euthanised due to a severe prolapse and irreparable issues in her overworked reproductive system. It was devastating but also a relief that we could end her suffering.

We also had to say goodbye last month to one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever known, one of our adopted rabbits, Sally. This left our boy bun, Presley, without the companionship of his species. This companionship is vital for rabbit health—physical and emotional. Therefore, we adopted another rabbit needing her forever home from the wonderful volunteer-run charity Beloved Rabbits. Our newest family member, Fraoch (readers of Delevan House may recognise her name?), has added fresh energy to the household. She has settled in wonderfully, with full-on Giant Continental confidence and youthful sass. I’m excited to bond Presley and Fraoch after her spay.

I’ll be vending at several markets in Glasgow, which has required a lot of preparation in stock and design. I will have limited hardcovers on hand unless preordered through me in advance to pick up on the day. The same goes for T-shirts and hoodies on my Etsy store. I won’t be carrying stock of those not ordered in advance. If you fancy something from there, check out the market deals and get your order in for collection. Prints were designed by me, and all garments are sourced and made in the U.K. and are vegan.

#BeBrazen Autumn Edition releases September. Again, the zine is delivered digitally, free to subscribers only. And only subscribers are entered into the quarterly prize draw. If you aren’t signed up, join us today! The print edition is available for purchase after the subscriber-only digital release and draw.

I begin studying for my next university module in October! I am seriously swamped and planned on delaying my next module. However, I have set goals, and the next intake for this particular module is over a year away. Even with everything booking up for next year, I couldn’t defer for that long.

I have some beautiful cover art waiting their time for when I can invest energy into solo work that’s simmering. Perhaps, I’ll find some hours in 2025!

I must run now. The pause is over. Full speed ahead!

#BeBrazen Natasha )O(