We both ordered a card the week before Valentine's Day, from our apartment at the beach. On the day, at home, we opened them at the same time, kissed, and went on with our day.

It may not be the stuff of romance novels or romantic comedies. It isn't much to talk about and it doesn't have a lot of sparkle. But that's life, isn't it? It's about loving each other enough every day to know it without having to be told to do it one day of the year. But the everyday doesn't always make for great stories to tell friends, does it?

And that's why we read books. We want the sparkle and shine of lives we don't live every day. That's what makes books special. Who wants to read about the everyday mundane? About coughing and spluttering and migraines and dark rooms? (Our week thus far.)

I think that's important. I've been listening to a plethora of things lately, (dark room/migraine thing), and they all reach me in different ways. Last night, while my wife continued to work late, I listened to Natalie Haynes Stands up for the Classics. And I laughed out loud repeatedly, my little geeky heart right there in the audience listening to her talk about Aristotle and others. Yes, I'm aware that combination doesn't sound logical, but have a listen and you'll understand. And if you like Greek myth, which I'm guessing you do if you're one of my readers, I think you'll really like her.

Are you excited? I am. I probably won't follow much of the outline, to be honest. I was going for something cosy, but let's be honest, that isn't my style. Spinning Tales might be the closest I've ever come to cosy. But I'm excited about it because it's something I've never written before: dragons and knights. I adored the Dragonriders of Pern (I don't think it has aged well) and now I want to try my hand at something sapphic that makes me feel the way I did when I first read those books.

*edited to add: My wife feels that V-day isn't necessary for a couple who spends each and every day telling each other they love each other, several times a day. We're very lucky that way. I, on the other hand, like the ritual of slowing down for a second to really see each other and focus on that feeling. No celebration necessary: just a moment to look into each other's eyes and rattle off all the things I love about her and how she makes my life better than I ever thought it could be. Maybe I'm more of a romantic than I give myself credit for.*

Audible news

The Heart Remembers is out on audiobook next week. I haven't had a chance to listen to the whole thing yet, but you can hear a sample over on Audible. I've got a new narrator on this one, too: the incredibly popular Abby Craden, and I know several people have already pre-ordered the book based solely on their love of her.

I also finished the final draft of Echoes of the Heart while we were away, and it feels so good to have it done. It's now in my editor's hands, and that will be out in May. We're hoping to get the fabulous KC Lylark to do the cover.

Coming soon from Helena Harte

Unspoken, the third book in the Windy City Romances, comes out in April. It's a beautiful, deep, emotional story about a couple who lose each other, and themselves, after parenthood. It's chosen family, it's second chances, and it's a gorgeous continuation of the group's story. You're going to love it.

If you follow Helena, you'll be sure to get notified the moment it goes on pre-sale.

Where will we be this year?

At this point, we're not totally sure. Prices at Pride events have gone up drastically--Leicester, one we do every year, has more than doubled their cost, and that puts it out of reach for us. We're checking other pride events to see if there's one that's affordable, and we'll let you know where you can come grab books from us. At the moment, we'll be at the Rainbow Heritage Awards in Nottingham later this month, and of course...there's Queer the Shelves. ​

Tickets are on sale.

That's right. We haven't made a huge announcement yet, but you can grab your ticket before they sell out. They're £20, and that includes a book from the table, your choice, from any attending author. Pretty cool, right?

And if you happen to be an author reading this, and you'd be interested in being on a panel, fill out the form to let us know. Spaces are filling up fast, so don't wait.

Thanks for sticking with me. I'm looking forward to a full year of stories, travels, coaching, and adventures.
Also, I'd love to hear from you. So much of writing is solitary, and hearing from readers reminds me that I'm not alone at my keyboard.