Northumberland is drenched in cloud and endless rain this evening but I know that the full Lenten Moon is hovering somewhere above the rooftops of my little town. I took this photo of the Lenten Moon in 2021, while I was writing this chapter. It was 10.45pm and I was standing on the landing next to the desk where I sat and tapped away at my book.
If you haven’t read Twelve Moons, it is structured so that it covers a year in my life, and each chapter is named after the moon I write under. I wanted to create a way to connect with readers and writers and share some special extras and inside information about the writing of my book, as well as exploring further some of the themes within it.
Lots of readers have told me they are reading the book chapter by chapter, under different moons, slowly and intentionally. Others have gobbled it up in less than 48 hours. Many of you are enjoying the audiobook, recorded on two chilly days in a Newcastle basement. Others have written to me to tell me they are going to read it with friends in a book group. So many different ways to absorb one story.
When I really get into a book I want to delve deeper, try to understand where the story came from and consider why it has affected me. What is it about these words that has made me feel this way? This Substack bookclub offers you the opportunity to meet other readers and writers and dive into a different world. Get cosy with a drink and maybe a cat on your knee. Join me every month to think about the big stuff. Ask me questions, tell me your stories. Each monthly bookclub includes the following:
A video of me reading an extended extract from Twelve Moons
Written words about themes within the book
Background information about my creative process during the writing of the book
Writing prompts
Q&A opportunities
Creative recommendations
Archived book club episodes
Lenten Moon is the third chapter in Twelve Moons. In this month’s bookclub I’ll be exploring claustrophobia, female identity and therapy. I’ll also share another exclusive candlelit reading to lull you as you go about your day (or night). Let’s dive in…