Autumn has officially started, and as we near the end of the year, here are some tips on how to be productive in the colder months. We're over halfway through September, and autumn has officially started. With the change in seasons, the weather is turning colder, and the days are getting shorter. It can be difficult to be productive during this time because we often feel more tired from lack of sunlight, want to stay inside in the warm, and a lot of people suffer from illnesses. Going out to work or running errands when it's raining can be challenging. I know that when it's raining or cold outside, I'd much rather snuggle up on the sofa with a good book and hot drink, but tasks still need ticking off. So, here are some tips to help you be productive in the colder months. Listen to your body Autumn and winter tend to bring around more colds and illnesses that are easily transferred to one another because of the colder weather. But if you're suffering, it can sometimes be easy to just power on and push through. I've recently come back from holiday and have felt quite unwell; normally, I'd just want to carry on, and whilst I did have productivity guilt, I knew working in the state I was in wouldn't be smart. So, if you're feeling under the weather, listen to your body. Don't carry on because things need doing; you'll undoubtedly make yourself worse and prolong the illness. Give yourself time to rest and recuperate, and that way, you'll be more productive when you've recovered. Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate In the colder months, it's just as important to hydrate as it is in summer. But whilst you're drinking water, you can also drink a lot of hot drinks. By hydrating with hot drinks in the last few months of the year, you'll help make yourself more productive. They'll warm up your body and bring you comfort at the same time, so that you're not sitting at your desk, freezing. Bring a friend along As you get older, you might find that you have less time to see your friends; things like housework, jobs, and children can all get in the way of having a spare moment. One tip I've found to be quite helpful is to bring a friend along on an errand. Or invite them round for coffee, but still do your chores whilst they're there. Everyone has chores and errands to run, so why not conquer them together? Plus, grocery shopping with friends makes it more fun, and by doing it together, it ensures you're ticking off your to-do list whilst making time for friends too. Limit your time If you've got a long list of chores that need doing, there's nothing worse than when they're dragged out and take a while. Therefore, one way of ensuring you're productive enough to get them done is to limit your time. What I mean is set yourselves deadlines. If you need to go into town to shop for a few things, give yourself an hour. When you're doing housework, don't spend all day on it, just an hour or two, depending on the task — if you do that little and often, it'll help reduce the time it takes. By setting yourself deadlines, you'll be more efficient in completing the task at hand and be able to return home quicker to enjoy the rest of your day. These tips are just things I've found to help me be more productive in the colder months. I hope they can help you, too, and if you've got any tips of your own, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Until next time...

Autumn is the perfect season to snuggle up on the sofa and watch some good TV, so here are six recommendations of TV shows to watch this autumn. I am an avid reader, but I'm also a lover of television and movies. When the weather turns colder and the evenings grow darker, I'll always take the opportunity to read a good book or watch good TV. Earlier this month, I shared some book recommendations for your autumn TBR , so this week, I thought I'd share some TV show recommendations for you all. There are many more TV shows I could recommend, including the likes of Gilmore Girls, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries and Once Upon a Time. However, I recommended them a couple of years ago, so here are six new recommendations from me. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Genre: Murder Mystery Available: BBC iPlayer and Netflix Synopsis: ' Five years after the murder of a 17-year-old girl in a sleepy English town, one student is determined to uncover the truth and find the real killer.' My Thoughts: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is perhaps one of the best book-to-screen adaptations I have seen. It is a young adult murder mystery that is full of twists and turns. I really enjoyed this television series, and the spooky vibes are perfect for autumn. Teen Wolf Genre: Supernatural Available: Prime Video Synopsis: ' A n animal bite turns a high schooler into a werewolf whose newfound supernatural abilities make him a star athlete – and majorly complicate his life.' My Thoughts: Teen Wolf is one of my all-time favourite TV shows. I absolutely love it and have rewatched it multiple times. It is action-packed, humorous, spooky and has everything you could want in a TV show. Only Murders in the Building Genre: Comical Murder Mystery Available: Disney+ Synopsis: ' Only Murders In The Building follows three strangers who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one as they investigate the mysterious death of a neighbour in their New York City apartment building.' My Thoughts: I haven't actually watched Only Murders in the Building , but I have heard very good reviews about it. A murder mystery just fits with autumnal vibes for me, so I would recommend it as a light-hearted, comical murder mystery. Stranger Things Genre: Supernatural Mystery Available: Netflix Synopsis: ' When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.' My Thoughts: I also haven't watched Stranger Things before, but I know people who have and loved it. It's also a theatre play in the West End, so that speaks to how popular and well-loved a show it is. Virgin River Genre: Small-Town Drama Available: Netflix Synopsis: ' Searching for a fresh start, a nurse practitioner moves from LA to a remote northern California town and is surprised by what — and who — she finds.' My Thoughts: I'm partway through watching Virgin River , and I absolutely love it. It's a more mature version of Gilmore Girls , with some difficult yet important themes explored, but it is just a wholesome show that is great for autumn. The Celebrity Traitors Genre: Reality TV Available: BBC One and iPlayer in October Synopsis: ' A psychological game show that follows celebrities where the contestants are trying to outwit, outplay, and outlast the challenge.' My Thoughts: I have only watched a couple of seasons of The Traitors , and I did enjoy them. However, I have a feeling that this series will be particularly good because of the celebrity line-up, which includes Alan Carr, Joe Wilkinson, Jonathan Ross and Stephen Fry, to name a few. So, if you're looking for a new TV series to watch this autumn, give some of these recommendations a go. If you've got some recommendations of your own, feel free to leave a comment below, too. Until next time...

If you're going on holiday during school time, here are some tips to help you prepare for a stress-free holiday. September marks the start of a new academic year. However, not everyone follows the national education timeline, like me, for example. School holidays are a prime time for families and students to travel. But for those who can take time off from work at any time in the year, now might be when you're going on holiday. I know that previously my family and I have been on holiday in September and October. Not only is it out of the summer holidays, lessening the likelihood of children being there, but it's also cheaper. Plus, with the way the weather has been recently, September continues to have some sunshine. Therefore, I thought I'd share some tips for those who go on holiday during term-time. Hopefully, these tips can help you prepare for a stress-free holiday, making sure you enjoy it to the fullest. Know your dates and times Perhaps one of the most important tips for this blog is to know your dates and times. Whether you're staying in the UK or going abroad, it's essential to know timings. Make a note of the dates you'll be away, from the day you leave to when you return. Plan when you'll be leaving to make sure you have enough time to get there before check-in. If you're flying or getting a train, make a note of when your flight or train depart. There is nothing worse than thinking you've got lots of time, hearing your boarding number, and having to run through the airport — trust me, I've been there. Once you've made a note of the dates and times, it's good to have them in an accessible place that you'll remember to look at. You could text it to yourself, set a reminder, or have a Post-It note stuck to your passport or car keys; somewhere you'll find it and won't be worried about being late. Meet every deadline When you're going on holiday, it can be a mad dash to get all your work finished in time before you go. Especially if you've got multiple projects and looming deadlines. So, I'd recommend a few weeks before your holiday, making a note of any deadlines you'll have coming up. That way, you'll know that when your holiday draws closer, what work you need to complete and submit on time. If you're a freelancer, this can also be helpful if you're offered more projects. Having a list of upcoming deadlines can help you prioritise work and ensure you don't take on too much before your holiday. I know I always make a note of my university assessment and enrolment deadlines, so I don't miss anything whilst away. Create an out-of-office A lot of communication between colleagues is done via email nowadays, especially for those who work remotely or are freelancers. But emails can build up pretty quickly and fill up your inbox. One handy way of managing this and ensuring urgent queries/emails are met is by creating an out-of-office. It doesn't have to be complex; it can be as simple as saying: 'Thank you for your email. I'm currently on holiday until XX/XX/20XX. I will get back to you as soon as I return, but for urgent matters, please email * INSERT COLLEAGUE NAME *. Thank you.' That's just a rough draft, but you get the idea. Having a colleague who can help manage the emails you're sent can be hugely beneficial, so that when you return, you won't have a huge volume of emails to reply to. Write a returning to-do list I absolutely love a to-do list. I find them incredibly helpful and probably wouldn't be half as organised as I am without one. If you're planning to go on holiday, one way to make it stress-free is by writing a to-do list before you go for when you return. What I mean is that on your final day of work, write a to-do list — it doesn't have to be long — of key tasks that you know you'll need to do upon your return. Whatever it may be, write it down, and that way, when you come back from holiday, you won't be panicking about what to do. I've returned from holiday before and forgotten what I was doing beforehand and what needed to be done, so having a to-do list is an easy way to refresh your mind and avoid stressing during the final few days of your holiday. So as September begins and children return to school, if you're planning a trip to go on holiday, then I hope these tips can help. If you have any tips of your own, feel free to let me know in the comments below. Until next time...

September has arrived, which means we're heading into autumn, so here are some book recommendations for your autumn TBR. Whilst I love reading summer books, there's something about snuggling up with a blanket, a hot drink, and a good autumn book that hits different. Heading into September is the perfect time to read some autumn and spooky books that fit the vibes of the 'Ber' months. As a book blogger and BookToker, I thought I'd share some book recommendations for your autumn TBR. These range from thrillers to fantasy novels to romance books, so there's a recommendation for everyone. So, if you're looking for new books to read this autumn, check out the book recommendations below. The Running Man by Stephen King Genre: Sci-Fi Dystopian Thriller Available: Now Synopsis: ' It's not just a game when you're running for your life. Every night they tune in to the nation's favourite prime-time TV game show. They all watch, from the sprawling slums to the security-obsessed enclaves of the rich. They all watch the ultimate live death game as the contestants try to beat not the clock, but annihilation at the hands of the Hunters. Survive thirty days and win the billion-dollar jackpot - that is the promise. But the odds are brutal and the game rigged. Best score so far is eight days. And now there is a new contestant, the latest Running Man, staking his life while a nation watches. ' My Thoughts: I admire Stephen King's writing, and this has been on my TBR list since it was announced it would be a movie, starring Glen Powell. It's a short novel with under 300 pages, so good for a quick, spooky read. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie Genre: Mystery Available: Now Synopsis: ' First, there were ten—a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a little private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal—and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. A famous nursery rhyme is framed and hung in every room of the mansion... When they realize that murders are occurring as described in the rhyme, terror mounts. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. Who has choreographed this dastardly scheme? And who will be left to tell the tale? Only the dead are above suspicion. ' My Thoughts: I can't wait to read this novel. It's a timeless classic mystery book, which I have heard very good things about. Solving a mystery puzzle in autumn seems like a great idea, so I am excited to delve into the world of Agatha Christie. Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco Genre: Fantasy Available: Now Synopsis: ' The Prince of Envy has never claimed to be a saint. But when a cryptic note arrives, signalling the beginning of a deadly game, he knows it will take more than a hint of sin to win and save his falling demon court. Riddles, hexed objects, anonymous players, nothing will stand in his way, though none of his meticulous plans prepare him for her, the frustrating artist who ignites his sin like no other… Virtuous. Darling. Liar. The trouble with scoundrels and blackguards is that they haven’t a modicum of honor, a fact Miss Camilla Antonius learns after one desperate mistake allows Waverly Green’s most notorious rake to blackmail her. To avoid a ruinous scandal, Camilla is forced to enter a devil’s bargain with Envy, little expecting his game will awaken her true nature... Together, Envy and Camilla must embark on a perilous journey through the Underworld—from glittering demon courts to the sultry vampire realm and beyond—while trying to avoid the most dangerous trap of all: falling in love. ' My Thoughts: I loved the Kingdom of the Wicked series by Kerri Maniscalco, and am very excited to read Throne of the Fallen to read all about Envy and his story. I have high hopes for this book, having heard good reviews, and think a fantasy read is perfect for autumn. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins Genre: Dystopian Available: Now Synopsis: ' It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmanoeuvre his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute. The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined -- every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes. ' My Thoughts: I haven't actually read this book yet, but it is on my shelf, and the edition I've got is full of autumn vibes. A dystopian novel definitely fits with the last few months of the year, and I have a feeling A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes might be the perfect autumn read. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah Genre: Historical Fiction Available: Now Synopsis: 'I always thought it was what I wanted: to be loved and admired. Now I think perhaps I’d like to be known' This story is about what it was like to be a woman during World War II, when women’s stories were all too often forgotten or overlooked . . . Vianne and Isabelle Mauriac are two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals and passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path towards survival, love and freedom in war-torn France. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime. ' My Thoughts: Kristin Hannah is a new author to me, but one who has been popularised all over social media for her heart-wrenching, emotional novels. The Nightingale is giving rainy weather vibes, and with it being set during World War II, it'll be perfect for a late-autumn read. Powerless by Lauren Roberts Genre: YA Fantasy Available: Now Synopsis: ' Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya . . . The exceptional. The Elites. The Elites have possessed powers for decades, gifted to them by the Plague, while those born Ordinary are just that, banished from the kingdom and shunned from society. No one knows this better than Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary posing as an Elite. When she unsuspectingly saves one of Ilya’s princes, Kai Azer, she’s thrown into the Purging Trials, a brutal competition to showcase her ‘Elite’ powers. If the Trials and the opponents don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for will if he discovers what Paedyn really is . . . completely Ordinary. ' My Thoughts: I absolutely loved Powerless by Lauren Roberts — I even chose to study it for uni — and with it being book one in a fantasy trilogy, it'll transport you to different worlds whilst giving you the opportunity to snuggle up under a blanket this autumn. The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli (Heartless Hunter in America) Genre: Fantasy Available: Now Synopsis: ' The only thing more treacherous than being a witch is falling in love… A HUNTED WITCH. The revolution reigns. The witches who once ruled are hidden, hunted. Rune is one of them. A socialite by day, she is the Crimson Moth by night. A vigilante bent on saving her own, her next rescue demands she court Gideon Sharpe – a notorious witch hunter and unforgiving revolutionary. A WITCH HUNTER. Gideon will pursue the Crimson Moth to the ends of the earth, and her trail leads him to Rune. But beneath her façade might be his match. Except what if she’s the very villain he’s been hunting? ' My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book when I read it. It had been a while since I'd read a fantasy novel, and The Crimson Moth was the perfect spooky, witchy read I was looking for. It is part of a duology, but I'd definitely recommend it for autumn. Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh Genre: Thriller Available: Now Synopsis: ' One dark evening on New York City’s Upper West Side, two strangers meet by chance. Over drinks, Amanda and Wendy realize they have much in common, especially loneliness and an intense desire for revenge against the men who destroyed their families. As they talk into the night, they come up with the perfect plan: if you kill for me, I’ll kill for you. In another part of the city, Ruth is home alone when the beautiful brownstone she shares with her husband, Scott, is invaded. She’s attacked by a man with piercing blue eyes, who disappears into the night. Will she ever be able to feel safe again while the blue-eyed stranger is out there? ' My thoughts: I love Steve Cavanagh's books, but Kill For Me, Kill For You was such a gripping read, it's in my top ten books of 2025. If you love a good thriller and love solving mysteries, give this a read this autumn. All Wrapped Up by Heidi Swain Genre: Romance Available: 11/09/2025 Synopsis: ' Clemmie Bennett has been renovating beautiful Rowan Cottage on the outskirts of the small town of Wynbridge, for eighteen months following a very public heartbreak back in her childhood hometown. The popular Instagram influencer, lost her husband, sold their home, and has been cosied up the Fens and living a very private life, but now she feels it’s time for a change. A chance encounter with co-owner of The Cherry Tree Café, the bubbly Lizzie Dixon, pulls her into organizing Wynbridge’s first-ever Autumn Festival, and her once quiet life is soon a distant memory. With the whole town rallying behind the event, she discovers a new sense of purpose. And when local vet Ash falls hard for Clemmie, she begins to wonder if she’s ready to move even further on from her past and fall in love again… ' My Thoughts: I have yet to read a Heidi Swain book that I didn't like, and I have a feeling I'm going to love All Wrapped Up . It's Heidi's first proper autumn book, which means it'll be the perfect romance to cosy up with. Soul Searching by Lyla Sage Genre: Supernatural Western Romance Available: 30/09/2025 Synopsis: ' Home is where the heart is - and this one is haunted. Collins Cartwright does not want to go home. Sweetwater Peak, Wyoming, was supposed to be in her rearview mirror, but when she finds out a developer is trying to buy her parents' antique shop, she doesn't have a choice. At least, that's what she tells her family. They don't need to know she's lost her job and is out of money. Or that the ghosts that have always been her companions have recently gone silent. Brady Cooper is absolutely fine. Seriously, there's no secret reason why he decided to uproot his life and suddenly move to Sweetwater Peak. He just needed a change of pace. At least, that's what he tells himself. But when he agrees to let Collins stay in his spare room, he doesn't realize that she constantly talks to thin air or that she looks like that. Good thing their arrangement is only temporary. Right? ' My Thoughts: I haven't read any of Lyla Sage's novels yet, but I am very excited to read Soul Searching. A supernatural western seems right up my alley for Halloween and spooky season. So, if you're looking for new books to read this autumn, then I hope these book recommendations help. I'll be reading most, if not all, of these, and if you read them too, feel free to let me know what you think in the comments below. Until next time...

The summer holidays are ending, and the new academic year is upon us, so here are all the ways you can prepare for it to ensure success. Summer this year has been full of sun and heat, but we are heading into autumn and the 'Ber' months, which only means one thing. A new academic year is here. Whilst I'm no longer in full-time education, I'm still studying for my undergraduate degree. I have been since 2020, and my degree is quite unique in that it doesn't follow a typical academic year like most brick-and-mortar universities. However, I still like to prepare for the new academic year, ensuring I've got all the essentials, so I can have a successful final quarter and a half to the year. Below are some tips to help you prepare for the new academic year yourself. Gather essential supplies When it comes to the new academic year, there is one type of shopping I love. Stationery. I absolutely love shopping for stationery, and preparing for a new year is the perfect opportunity. You need to make sure you have everything you need to start learning and studying, including pens, pencils, a ruler, Post-it notes and notebooks. For some, you might even need to get specific equipment, like a scientific calculator, certain textbooks and secondary sources. Whatever you may need, make sure you've got it in advance to save you time later on. Reset your body clock The summer brings longer days, and with that, we often change our body clocks to go to sleep later. It's all very well enjoying the sun and having little sleep in summer, especially if you get summer holidays, but when you go back to school/university etc., you'll need to reset your body clock. Make sure you're getting enough sleep and are able to wake up early enough in preparation for your day. If you know you'll have classes at 9 am, make sure you're getting into the routine of waking up and ensuring you can complete your morning routine, whether that's eating breakfast, going for a walk, or simply travelling to your destination, with enough time to spare. There's nothing worse than being late on the first few days of the academic year, so reset your body clock a week beforehand to help you get in the best routine before studying starts again. Organise your study space The saying goes, 'Tidy house, tidy mind'. The same could be said for your study/work space. With education comes studying and revision. If you're able to have a space in your home where you can study, that is perfect. However, not if it's not tidy. Organising your study space before the academic year can give you a clear mind and a refresh before you have to study again. So, tidy up a bit by removing scrap bits of paper; organise your stationery and notebooks so they're easy to access without making a mess; ensure you've got a power supply if you use a laptop/computer. However you imagine a tidy space, put it into action for your desk, and it'll help in the long run. Recap and review When the new academic year begins, you may find yourself continuing with topics from the previous year or having done some summer reading. Before classes start, why not recap everything you learnt last year? It doesn't have to be in detail, just the topic headings to give you a reminder, so you know what to expect in the future. If you've got textbooks you're working from, review the contents page and any reading you think may be helpful. It will stand you in good stead for the upcoming year and ensure you don't flounder on the first day. Set your goals Depending on what year of studying you're going into, depends on whether you'll have major exams. But even if you won't have exams like GCSEs or A-Levels, you might find you'll have coursework, assessment periods and mocks. However, you'll also still have a personal life outside of studying. One thing I've found to be helpful is to set some goals before the academic year begins. It can be achieving a certain grade in a subject, receiving positive feedback for a piece of coursework, meeting every deadline, etc. Whatever you personally want to achieve, make a note of it at the start of the year, and revisit it at the end. Doing this will help provide motivation throughout your studies, so you can tick it off at the end and feel even prouder of yourself for reaching your individual targets. So, if the new academic year means more studying, new topics, and exams for you, I hope these tips can help you prepare and put you in a good position to achieve success (however that looks for you). In the meantime, good luck. Until next time...

Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman is a classic dystopian tale that explores love, heartbreak, loss, and racism. It is a novel everyone should read. Malorie Blackman is perhaps one of Britain's most well-known authors, with over 70 books and 20 award wins to her name. She has an OBE, was the Children's Laureate and is regarded as a literary icon. With that in mind, I don't know why it took me so long to pick up and read her novel, Noughts & Crosses . Especially since I'm an avid reader of young adult literature and dystopian novels. Noughts & Crosses had been on my Kindle for so long, and to mix up my summer romance reads, I thought I'd finally delve into the dystopian world that Malorie Blackman has created. The book has also been turned into a television series , which I've not seen yet. However, now that I've read the book, I want to share my thoughts with you all. So, continue reading to see my review of Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman. Review: Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman Genre: YA dystopian Tropes: Forbidden romance Opposites attract Childhood friends Star-crossed lovers Rating: 6 Stars Noughts & Crosses is book one in a series. The synopsis of the book is: 'Sephy is a Cross -- a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought -- a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum -- a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together?' Credit: WriteWatchWork On the surface, Noughts & Crosses is a book about young love between two childhood friends who are destined to be enemies. However, it is about so much more than that. It is a seminal piece of YA literature that could be regarded as a modern classic. It is a love story, but it is also a dystopian novel that explores themes of heartbreak and racism and terrorism too. When I read Noughts & Crosses , I had a basic idea of the plot. I knew it followed Sephy, a young black girl in a privileged position within society, and Callum, a young white boy, who was looked down upon by all Crosses. The book begins with them as children. Callum's mum worked for Sephy's family as a cleaner, which allowed Sephy and Callum to form a friendship from a young age. But after one incident, things take a turn and their families are no longer on friendly terms. As a result, Callum and Sephy meet in private. Noughts & Crosses is a dual point of view novel, with each chapter alternating between their perspectives. It is also written in the first-person, which allows us as readers to receive a whole 360 degree view of both characters and the world they inhabit, which is vastly different between the two. Sephy is a Cross, and her family have a position of power. Her dad is a highly respected politician, and because of her place in society, she doesn't completely understand the prejudice or racism that occurs against Noughts. She is a sweet character, and I loved watching her transform as the novel progressed. She may have started the novel as a bit naïve and hopeful for change, but by the end of it, Sephy is mature, self-sufficient and independent in both her actions and her thinking. She is devoted to Callum, despite learning about the harsh realities of their world. Callum, the youngest of three siblings, knows life as a Nought isn't good. He isn't granted the same rights as Sephy, and that much is clear when he becomes one of four Noughts allowed to attend Sephy's school. Throughout the novel, Callum's awareness of the divide between races grows, and he takes steps to fight for freedom, following in his father's and brother's footsteps. Both Callum and Sephy are gripping narrators. Their voices are distinct, and the dual POV gives us a direct line inside their heads, so we can witness their thoughts and feelings. Noughts & Crosses isn't an easy read. There are twists and turns throughout the story, and tragedy strikes more than once. Questions are raised. All the way through, I feared reaching the end because I just knew something bad was going to happen. With Noughts & Crosses being a series as well, I had a feeling it wasn't going to end on a happy note, which I've come to expect with dystopian novels. But what blew me away whilst reading Noughts & Crosses was Blackman's writing, the thematic exploration and the relevance of it. This book was published in 2001 — the year I was born — but it still felt relevant today. Through Callum and Sephy and their situation, Blackman explores what it's like to be looked down upon by society because of the colour of your skin; she conveys racism and terrorism in ways that are thought-provoking and also terrifying, generating empathy from readers for both protagonists. And because of the topics explored, Noughts & Crosses is still relevant today. We live in a world where there are still divides between races and ethnicities. It makes you question the society we live in through the dystopia in the novel. Blackman's writing is effortless. She has crafted a fantastic dystopian society through human behaviour rather than any otherworldly aspects; her characters are all realistic and could be real, living, breathing people. The best thing was that despite fearing the end, I couldn't put this book down. Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman is an incredible piece of young adult literature. If you love YA books, dystopian novels, or thought-provoking stories, then this is for you. I am so glad I finally read Noughts & Crosses , and I will be reading the next book in the series, Knife's Edge . But if you do choose to give Noughts & Crosses a go, let me know in the comments below what you thought of it. Until next time...

Burlesque The Musical is the hottest new show hitting London's West End for a limited run, but it's a must-see show for any theatre fan. I'm writing another 'Watch' review for this blog post, following my previous two on Destination X and My Oxford Year . However, whilst it is three in a row, I just had to write this review and share it with you all. Last weekend, I went to London with a friend to watch Burlesque The Musical . I've been a fan of the movie, starring Christina Aguilera, for a while and loved the soundtrack. It was no surprise that when Burlesque The Musical was announced as playing in Manchester that I desperately wanted it to come to London. And when it was announced that it would be coming to London, I bought tickets right away. I couldn't wait to see it, and it did not disappoint. So, here is my review of Burlesque The Musical , currently playing at The Savoy Theatre, with comparison notes to the film. Review of Burlesque The Musical Genre: Rom-Com Musical Rating: 5/5 Burlesque The Musical is based on the 2010 movie, written by Steven Antin. Whilst the premise of the musical is the same as the movie, there are some differences, which, whilst I loved the movie, I think make the musical stage show ten times better. The stage show follows the story of Ali Rose, a young woman from Iowa, who learns the real identity of her birth mother. She goes in search of her in New York and discovers she owns the Burlesque Lounge. In a bid to tell Tess that she's her mother, Ali gets a job as a waitress at the club, eventually working her way up to being a dancer. Whilst there, she rooms with the bartender, Jackson, and the two slowly develop feelings for each other. However, things don't go as smoothly as planned when Nikki, one of the main dancers, begins to stir up trouble along with Vince, Tess's ex-husband. The original movie was set in Los Angeles and didn't involve a search for a birth mother. It also didn't include the character Marcus Gerber, played by Eric Dane. However, despite the differences, I absolutely loved Burlesque The Musical . I am still a huge fan of the original movie; it will always be enjoyable to watch, but the stage musical was hands down one of, if not the, best musicals I've ever seen. And here's why. Steven Antin and Todrick Hall are creative masterminds. As a scriptwriting student, I would love to pick their brains and ask them questions on how they crafted a new storyline and made it more modern — there were references to Coldplay's concert, Tate McCrae, and TikTok trends — but kept the essence of the original. The stage show was full of glitz and glam, and brought to the forefront themes of family, friendship and true happiness. This was achieved through the incredible cast, set designs, costumes, and the way the actors moved around the stage. I loved watching how effortlessly the cast danced, but also how they moved between scenes with different furniture. It was great to see their portrayal of a moving bus with nothing more than a few chairs and a video background. Everything about the musical works so well. Jess Folley is an incredible woman. Her voice is out of this world — I actually think I prefer her versions of the Burlesque songs. The range Jess has and the control...just wow! Plus, I know she wrote some original songs for Burlesque The Musical , including Got It All From You , which was a gorgeous number. She was amazing as Ali Rose, and I loved watching her perform. Todrick Hall, as I said above, is a creative mastermind, but watching him perform on stage was something else. Not only did he have a hand in creating the musical, but he also stole the show through his characters of Sean and Miss Loretta. His characterisation of those two was perfect. He was such a comical character and just delivered lines flawlessly that had the audience in stitches. It felt at times that Todrick was ad-libbing as well, which made it even better. Paul French, who played Jackson, was another standout member of the cast. Previously, he's played Kenickie in Grease , and he brought with him some of that natural charm. I preferred Paul's portrayal of Jack's character and his voice... There's one song from the original movie that was made into a duet in the musical. That is Bound To You , which is a slow, romantic song. In Burlesque The Musical , Paul started the song and Jess continued it, but I can still hear Paul's opening lines to the song, and I definitely prefer that version of Bound To You . Now, I could go on and on and list every single cast member because they all did a fantastic job. Everyone deserved the huge applause they received both during and after the performance. I loved how minor characters from the film, like Vince, were given a bigger role in the musical. I also enjoyed how the musical had a more structured focus with Ali's search for her birth mother. It made it more emotional and allowed the audience to become invested, rather than having her just want to be a star on stage. For me I preferred that storyline because it added more complexity to the characters and overall story. Also, I loved the diversity within the show with a mixture of races, genders, and sizes. It made me feel more represented, which is only a good thing. However, I do have one bug to bear. I need the cast of Burlesque The Musical to record and publish the original cast recording of the full soundtrack. Right now. I absolutely loved the soundtrack to this musical, and I loved all the new songs too. But there isn't a recording available for the public to stream/download/buy. Usually, after I've seen a musical, I'll listen to the soundtrack again and again, but for Burlesque , I can only listen to the original movie soundtrack. That is amazing, don't get me wrong, but there were so many more songs in the stage show that were brought to life by the cast. I would love to listen to Jess Folley's original songs and her versions of Tough Lover , etc., so if anyone from Burlesque The Musical reads this, please record the soundtrack. So, that is my review of Burlesque The Musical . A stage show full of glitz, glamour, and sequins that is funny, sexy, and heart-warming. I hope that if you get to see the show, you love it! And if you don't, hopefully it'll come to the West End again for a longer run, and you can grab some tickets. Until next time...

Sofia Carson's latest Netflix hit is My Oxford Year, based on the novel by Julia Whelan, and it is definitely a film to watch. Growing up, I used to watch a lot of Disney Channel. Shows like Hannah Montana and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody were staples of my childhood. As were Disney Channel movies like the Descendants franchise. I loved the Descendants franchise, and still do, because they're relatable and hold deeper meanings than the main plot. Starring in these movies was Sofia Carson. Since leaving her Disney days behind her, Sofia Carson has starred in several Netflix movies, becoming a staple of the streaming service. She's been in Purple Hearts, The Life List, Feel the Beat and Carry On. And her latest film is My Oxford Year . This movie is based on Julia Whelan's novel and is perfect for romance fans, literature lovers, and those who love a movie that shares important lessons. I watched My Oxford Year last week and loved it. So, it's no surprise that I wanted to review it and share my thoughts. Review of My Oxford Year Genre: Romantic Drama Rating: 4/5 stars The synopsis for My Oxford Year, from IMDB , is: 'When Anna, an ambitious young American woman, sets out for Oxford University to fulfil a childhood dream, she has her life completely on track until she meets a charming and clever local who profoundly alters both of their lives.' The first thing that drew my attention to this film was the cast. I have enjoyed every single Sofia Carson film I've seen; she's moved away from Disney and found her footing as Netflix's movie star. Her talent as a triple threat is incredible, and I love that she finds films to sink your teeth into. Corey Mylchreest is an actor I first saw in Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte . In this, he played King George, and I thought he did an excellent job at that role. In My Oxford Year , Mylchreest portrays the Oxford local, who also happens to be Anna's teacher. Watching Carson and Mylchreest portray Anna and Jamie worked well. They bounce off each other and are formidable actors. I haven't yet read the novel of this story, but it is on my TBR. Perhaps even more so now I've seen the film because I'm fascinated by book-to-screen adaptations, and this one is one worth researching. My Oxford Year begins as a typical romcom. Anna moves to Oxford for a year and is taken with the historic and poetic sights of the city. Only to have a not-so-meet-cute with Jamie after he drenches her with his car, driving through a puddle. From there, tension builds between the two protagonists as we see them navigate their intrigue, but also slight annoyance with one another, which only grows once Jamie's role in Anna's education is revealed. I thought the film was well-paced and built up their developing friendship successfully before it became a romance. There is humour and sarcasm from the protagonists, but also from the side characters. I liked watching Anna's relationship with Maggie, Tom and Charlie develop, despite the stereotypical gay best friend. They added comic relief and made the film more heart-warming before it became heart-wrenching. As I mentioned, I haven't read the book, so I didn't know what the ending of the film was going to be. However, you can kind of work it out early on when there are quite a few references to living life to the fullest, because we never know how long it'll be. When it reached the end of the film, I must admit I did have tears. I wasn't full-on sobbing, but it was sad and emotional and did provoke a reaction from me. And that's the best bit about Sofia Carson's movies. There is always a deeper meaning. It is more often than not relatable to all viewers and results in a powerful movie. My Oxford Year touches on the meaning of life and how we shouldn't wait to do things. We should embrace life whilst we can and live each day to the fullest, only regretting things we don't do, not things we have done. I easily related to the topics explored in My Oxford Year and applied them to my own life, which I think is why I found the ending so emotional. It was bittersweet and maybe not the romantic film so people expected, but it's still worth watching. So, if you're in the mood for an emotional, thought-provoking, romantic drama that will make you want to visit Oxford and embrace life, give My Oxford Year a watch. Until next time...

The new television series, Destination X , is a gripping watch that will have you guessing alongside the contestants as to where in the world they are. Rob Brydon, from Gavin and Stacey, has recently released a new TV show, titled Destination X . It's available to watch on BBC iPlayer and takes inspiration from the Belgian show, Bestemming X . It's a game show that echoes that of The Traitors , with a number of contestants embarking on an international adventure across Europe. All in the hopes of winning £100,000. Destination X aired in late July and is a must-watch for fans of game shows that keep you guessing, gripped, but also learning. I've watched two episodes so far and am really enjoying it. So, I thought I'd share my thoughts with you in a mini review to hopefully inspire you to give it a watch. Review of Destination X Genre: Game show Rating: 4/5 stars Destination X is a game show that takes contestants on a bus around Europe. Whilst on their trip, they have to complete a number of challenges, all hinting at where in the world they are. However, it's not an ordinary trip around Europe. The show began with 13 contestants competing for a boarding pass. Only 10 contestants made it through to the next round, which involves them embarking on their trip. Episode one features the 10 remaining contestants having a helicopter ride to their next destination. But whilst blindfolded with their specific goggles, which allow Rob to control when the contestants can see their surroundings. The 10 participants all tried guessing which direction they were flying in, using various manners of thinking, including the rise and fall of the sun, and what they could see out the window. From there, they are taken on a fancy bus, which has a screen over the windows, blocking their view, to the next challenge. At the end of each episode, the 10 contestants enter the 'map room'. Here, they literally put an X as to where they think they are in Europe. The contestant who guesses farthest from their actual location goes home. All 10 contestants come from different walks of life. There's a crime writer, a pilot, an endurance athlete, a care assistant, and many more occupations represented. And that makes for a gripping watch. Destination X merges The Traitors with an international adventure, showing viewers different locations around the world. Whilst watching, you're joining in with the contestants and trying to figure out the clues for yourself. My family and I thought we had chosen the correct destination in episode one, only to find out the contestant we thought was wrong was right. It's a fun TV show that is addictive. The contestants all begin at the same level, but from there, they have to decide whether they'll be a team player or withhold information. Tensions start to rise, and clues aren't shared. It is easy to be swayed by what the other contestants say, but the BBC invite you to play along — whilst watching live — with a QR code for you to place your own X on the map. It doesn't seem as toxic as The Traitors, but that could just be because I'm only two episodes in. But it certainly provides an entertaining watch. However, it is more than just a game show. Destination X involves showing players different clues as to where they are. But these clues are also for the viewers. Some involve different cuisines, showing country phone number codes, identifying what languages are spoken where, and more. At the end of each episode, Rob Brydon shares what clues indicate the exact location. I've found this an enjoyable aspect of the show because it teaches us viewers. I've learnt quite a bit about the places the contestants have already visited, all just from watching them travel around in the hopes of winning a competition. So, if you're interested in watching something both entertaining and educational, then give Destination X a go. If you do watch it, let me know if you guess any of the destinations correctly in the comments below. Until next time...

Looking for a new film to watch? I've got you covered with my film review of Amazon Prime's Heads of State. Whilst completing my work experience, I found it difficult to get much reading done because I was often too tired by the time I arrived home. However, what I did notice was that I ended up watching a fair amount of television and cinema across the two weeks. I watched a variety of shows, from the One Chicago crossover episodes to Frozen and Snow White . I thoroughly enjoyed each movie and TV show I watched, but there was one that we watched for family movie night that I really liked. That was Heads of State . Available on Amazon Prime, Heads of State is a new comic action movie featuring Idris Elba, John Cena and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. So, if you need a new film to watch, check out my review of Heads of State below. Review of Heads of State Genre: Action-Comedy Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Rating: 8 out of 10 The Heads of State synopsis, from IMDB , is: 'When the U.K. Prime Minister and U.S. President become the targets of a foreign adversary, they're forced to rely on one another to thwart a global conspiracy.' That is the basic premise of the film, but there is a lot more to it. Of course, there are very comical aspects of the movie that are sometimes a bit ridiculous. However, the film makes it work. John Cena plays the U.S. President, a former actor turned politician, echoing Ronald Reagan. Idris Elba obviously plays the U.K. Prime Minister, who has worked his whole life to build his career and became Prime Minister to make a difference. These two are very much opposite sides of a coin. Elba's character, Sam, is definitely grumpy, sarcastic and also matter-of-fact, whereas Cena's character, Will, plays into the fanfare of being Mr President, often utilises his former Hollywood career and believes he is a real-life action hero - even though it's Sam who served in the army. The movie begins with Spaniards throwing tomatoes at each other for La Tomatina, only to reveal that a joint task force of the CIA and MI6, led by Priyanka Chopra Jonas's character, Noel, is on a mission within the festival. This operation quickly goes sideways as Noel and her team are taken out by a man called Viktor Gradov. We're then introduced to Sam and Will in their respective worlds. It quickly becomes evident that there is animosity and disrespect between the two of them. They don't like each other, and they don't trust each other. Both of them have very different ways of handling situations, but ultimately, they're forced to work together. When both Sam and Will travel on Air Force One, they find themselves parachuting out over Belarus. From there, the action of the film begins. I really enjoyed these two characters as action stars. Yes, the dynamic between Idris Elba and John Cena works really well. Whilst Will is sometimes a bit ridiculous and provides the obvious comedy, Sam is such a dry-humoured and witty character that you can't help but laugh at his comments. He already thinks that Will is a bit of a pompous president, whilst Will thinks that Sam is too stuck in his ways. This relationship means that whilst we get comedy, it is conveyed in a way that makes the stupid look smart. There are, of course, some errors within the film, mainly surrounding the idea of 'Heads of State' as the U.K. Prime Minister isn't really a head of state. This is, however, pointed out in the film by Noel, which makes the movie much better because even the characters acknowledge the error with the title. Also, the Prime Minister is never 'Mr Prime Minister', that's just the President. Overall, this film was very comical, but also a great action movie. Yes, there were unbelievable moments, but at the same time, you knew it was unrealistic that it became realistic. I really enjoyed this movie. Heads of State isn't a favourite action film of mine, but it is one worth watching if you're looking for some action that will make you laugh at the same time. Have you seen Heads of State ? If not, give it a watch and let me know what you think in the comments below. Until next time...

We're heading into August, so let's do a reading review of the books I read in Q2 of 2025. Q2 of 2025 is well and truly in the past with August arriving this week, but July has been such a busy month for me that I haven't had time to get around to doing a proper reading review. This month, I've been to a concert, completed work experience at Penguin Random House, and started volunteering at my local library. However, I have found time to read and add to the many books I read earlier this year. In Q1 of this year , I read 26 books. In Q2, I read even more, totalling 30 books. These varied in genre, and some of them were Advanced Reader Copies from authors. Q2 also saw some of my favourite books of the year so far. So, let's get into my reading review of Q2 2025. WriteWatchWork's Reading Review Total Number of Books Per Month As mentioned above, I read 30 books in April, May and June. These were a mixture of eBooks on my Kindle and paperbacks. I have also read a hardback, which is very unusual for me as I'm not a massive fan of them. In April, I read nine books. May saw me read 11 books, and in June, I read 10 books. May was the strongest month, with the most books read, but there were some great books across all three months, making Q2 even better than Q1. Most-Read Genre Whilst young adult dystopias and romance dominated Q1, my most-read genre of Q2 in 2025 has to be purely romance. I did read other genres, including fantasy and thrillers, but the most common was romance — contemporary, young adult, and cowboy romance. Most-Read Author In Q2 of 2025, I read 23 different authors. The different authors I read in April, May and June were: Abby Jimenez Ana Huang Annaliese Avery Bailey Hannah Catherine Cowles Debbie Johnson Elena Armas Emily Henry Freida McFadden Katie Kitamura Lauren Asher Lauren Roberts Lynn Painter Navessa Allen Nikki Castle Richard Osman Q.B. Tyler Sarah J Maas Sarah Morgan Steve Cavanagh Sylvia Plath Tahereh Mafi Whitney Gardner Out of the 23 authors I read, seven of them were new authors to me. These were Annaliese Avery, Catherine Cowles, Katie Kitamura, Lynn Painter, Navessa Allen, Sylvia Plath and Whitney Gardner. One of my Bookish Bingo goals this year was to read a new author, so I'm pleased I've done that in both quarters of 2025. But, my overall most-read author is Debbie Johnson as I read four books by her. Favourite Books Where do I start? Q2 of 2025 was such a fab quarter for me. I read quite a few books that were 4 stars, and quite a few that were 4.5 stars and higher. So, because it's hard to pick, for this part of my reading review, I'll pick three favourites and then list some honourable mentions. My overall top pick, which is my top book of the year so far, is Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi . I think I actually rated this 6 stars, which just shows how much I loved this. It is the first book in the Shatter Me: The New Republic series, and it was amazing! The next book has to be Change of Hart . This cowboy romance by Bailey Hannah was one of my most-anticipated releases. I was invested in the characters, I loved the dual timeline and most of all, I loved the found family and heart-warming moments. Plus, it was the first book that made me full-on cry. The third and final book in my top three favourites list is going to be A Court of Silver Flames . It's a hard decision to make, but ACOSF made me fall back in love with the ACOTAR world and reignited my love for fantasy books. I related a lot to Nesta, the FMC, and would re-read this book, for sure. Some other honourable mentions include Kill For Me, Kill For You; Fragile Sanctuary; Love Redesigned ; Reckless ; Funny Story ; and Debbie Johnson's Starshine Cove series. Favourite Authors There are so many different authors I could pick for this category. One of them is Tahereh Mafi , but I'm going to avoid including her in this list as I chose her as one of my favourite authors of Q1. So, my top three favourite authors of Q2 are: Catherine Cowles Lauren Asher Steve Cavanagh I was introduced to Catherine Cowles' books in Q2 after receiving Broken Harbor (book three in the Sparrow Falls series) from Evermore Books, an imprint of Penguin. I read Broken Harbor and then continued that series by reading Fragile Sanctuary , book one. It's safe to say Catherine is now one of my favourite authors of all time. Lauren Asher is up next. Now, I have bought every single one of Lauren Asher's books. I have read them all and I have loved them all. She is an auto-buy author for me, and reading Love Redesigned just reminded me why I enjoy her books so much. My final favourite author of Q2 is Steve Cavanagh. I read Kill for me, Kill for you, knowing that I would enjoy it because I loved Steve Cavanagh's Eddie Flynn series (I've still got a few more of those books to read). But I underestimated how good Kill for me, Kill for you is. It is a top thriller that everyone should read. Best Book Surprise There were a couple of surprises in Q2 of this year. The first surprise is that I was shocked by how much I enjoyed a particular book. I had heard mixed reviews of Reckless by Lauren Roberts prior to reading. I loved Powerless , book one in the series — read my review here — so I was sceptical as to whether or not I'd enjoy book two. But I loved it. I thought it was a great sequel, building the characters up more and focusing on their developing relationship. I'd definitely recommend this series if you're interested in fantasy books. Surprise two came in the form of a novella. If you've read my reading review of Q1, you'll know I was re-reading the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. Except this time, I was also reading the novellas for the first time. The final novella, and final book, in the series is Believe Me . It's told entirely from the male protagonist's POV, and I LOVED it. I was so surprised by how much this book improved my reading of the series. It was emotional (I even had tears at one point), it was funny, but most of all, it was such a wholesome ending to the series. Least Favourite Book Out of the 30 books I read in Q2 of 2025, I rated four books below 4 stars. These were The Nanny is Off Limits by Q.B. Tyler, Lights Out by Navessa Allen, Powerful by Lauren Roberts and The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas. Unfortunately for me, I didn't enjoy these books as much as I thought I would. The Nanny is Off Limits and Lights Out were a bit too explicit. When reading The Nanny is Off Limits , I preferred a side character over the protagonists, which shouldn't be the case. Lights Out failed to live up to the hype for me, and the humour in it was the only thing that made me rate it 3 stars. As for Powerful , I had heard such rave reviews, but when I read it, because it's a novella in the Powerless series with a simultaneous timeline, I knew how it ended. I didn't get as much emotion from it as I thought I would, and to be brutally honest, I don't think it's necessarily needed as a book. The American Roommate Experiment was surprising because I enjoyed The Spanish Love Deception . However, with this one, I found the characters slightly cringeworthy and became embarrassed by their actions. I did, though, like the ending when they broke up and had to grovel to get back together. 25 Books for 2025 In Q2 of 2025, I managed to tick off eight books on my 25 Books for 2025 list. These were Reckless (Lauren Roberts), Funny Story (Emily Henry), A Court of Silver Flames (Sarah J Maas), Love Redesigned (Lauren Asher), Kill for me, Kill for you (Steve Cavanagh), Change of Hart (Bailey Hannah), The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath), and Watch Me (Tahereh Mafi). Credit: WriteWatchWork I've got 15 more books to read to complete this list, but I'm hoping to read these in the following two quarters. I hope you enjoyed reading this review of my second quarter of the year. Hopefully, if you haven't read some of these authors or books before, I've inspired you to give them a go. Please do comment below if you fancy letting me know some of the books you've enjoyed this year. Until next time...

I recently did two weeks' work experience at Penguin Random House, and here are some tips for publishing hopefuls that I learnt whilst at the publishers. For the last two weeks, I worked at Penguin Random House. I spent two weeks working within Vintage in the Marketing and Publicity teams, and it was the best experience I've had in my career. This year, I've been working towards my goal of working within the publishing industry . Alongside my degree, I'm trying to build up experience for my CV, and having two weeks at Penguin allowed me to learn so much from those working in publishing. The two weeks flew by in a flash. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Penguin, working in Vintage, but also just getting to talk to others in the company. I even introduced myself to the CEO, Tom Weldon . Throughout my time at Penguin, I learnt a lot and I know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of publishing hopefuls out there, so I thought I'd share some tips I picked up whilst working at Penguin Random House UK. My publishing hopeful tips from Penguin Random House Be open to anything The work experience for Penguin is organised randomly. Yes, you apply, but it isn't guaranteed you'll get a placement because it is a random selection. I actually applied last year and wasn't successful. You can list your top three divisions of Penguin (Vintage, Cornerstone, PRH Children's, etc.) and your top three departments (Editorial, Marketing, Audio, etc.). However, you won't always get your top choice, but that's okay. In publishing, I would say that to get your foot in the door and to get as much experience as you can, you need to be open. Accept every opportunity you are granted and don't be afraid to try something new, even if it's not what you thought you wanted. There is so much you can learn from all the different departments within publishing, ones you might not have even considered before. I used to think I wanted editorial, but this year, I've been focusing on marketing and publicity. I was so lucky to be put in Vintage's marketing and publicity team, but I also spoke to people in different departments, including Audio Production. Network, network, network During my work experience, I had two hosts/supervisors whom I reported to whilst there. However, I worked within two different teams, made up of several people. I also attended meetings, which involved those from editorial, sales and finance. Being able to hear from people all across the business was invaluable. You might not think you're interested in a specific department, or a specific book people are working on, but getting to chat with any publishing professional can be helpful. So, don't be afraid to go and introduce yourself to people. Connect with them on LinkedIn. Ask if it's okay for you to save their email in case you want to reach out for some advice. If you're interested in a certain division, ask your contacts if they know anyone whom you could talk to. I did this twice and I'm so glad I did because I got to learn about one of my favourite imprints in publishing and see behind-the-scenes and how they work. Whilst what you know is incredibly important, sometimes, who you know is too. Ask questions Another tip I learnt from my work experience was to ask questions. There is nothing beneficial about you not understanding something or doing a task wrong because you were afraid to ask someone for help. The fear of being told no or someone dismissing you is a strong one, but you have to overcome it. It's always better to ask for help and clarification. Be curious and inquisitive. Ask for them to explain something, or to show you how to do something, so that you know. This shows that you care and are interested in improving your work. It highlights how you acknowledge your weaknesses and are willing to learn. Plus, it shows your teamwork and ability to collaborate with others - all important transferable skills. So, whatever question you have, don’t be afraid to ask people. Use your initiative As well as being inquisitive, you should use your initiative. Publishing is such a competitive industry and a busy one too. Everybody will have full schedules; I know I did during my work experience. However, there were times when I completed tasks quicker than expected, and I ended up with nothing to do. So, I just asked if there was anything else I could, whether that's admin tasks, mailings, or even tidying shelves (I have a lot of experience tidying my own bookshelves!). Also, I asked if it was possible for me to speak to people from different publishing divisions, specifically Evermore and PRH Children's. By using my initiative, I arranged meetings and was able to have good, in-depth chats with both. It might be scary, but try and do as much as you can. Take charge and ask if there's anything you can do to help. Introduce yourself to people and arrange meetings. You never know where it may lead. Preparation is key My time at Penguin wasn't just my first experience of publishing, but my first experience of office work and commuting. It was scary, and I didn't know what to expect. I was terrified I'd do something wrong. However, I prepared as much as I could. I made sure I knew my commuting route. I had all my stationery, my laptop, sticky notes, etc. I had a diary and made use of the Microsoft Teams calendar. I always kept my emails and Teams chat open. Being prepared meant that when I received a few work tasks in a day that was already busy with meetings, I wasn't overwhelmed or struggling to stay on top of everything. I completed every task with detail and efficiency. I replied to emails and messages as quickly as possible. I planned when to do certain tasks around meetings, to ensure I could complete everything whilst still attending. None of the other tips will do you any good if you're not prepared. Be prepared to accept opportunities that might scare you or were unplanned. Be prepared with a notebook so you can note down people's contact information, any questions you have, and anything you learn. Publishing is a hard industry to get into. But it isn't impossible. I have my sights set on publishing, preferably in marketing or publicity. But I don't have a specific division/imprint in mind yet. I'm open to opportunities and willing to do as much as I can to build on my experience and utilise the contacts I've made. So, I hope these tips have given you some help if you're a publishing hopeful. And if you fancy getting some publishing work experience, apply at Penguin. Those two weeks have been some of the best this year, so go for it. Until next time...