Copy Editing Or, how to make your novel more technically correct

In today’s blog, I talk about the Copy Editing process: what happens, how long it takes, and what to do if you’re not completely convinced by some of the suggestions…

arsenicandcoldcase.substack.com/p/copy-editing

#pathtopublication #editing #copyediting #substack #blog

Recording Audio for Substack How it started and how it's going...

For the last six editions of Arsenic & Cold Case, I’ve provided an audio track to increase accessibility to my blog; for those who find the printed word problematic, or who’d simply prefer to listen.

This is how it went…

arsenicandcoldcase.substack.com/p/recording-...

#substack #blog #audio

I'm not sure why, but I found it really hard to read in March - I just couldn't concentrate.

But my favourite was fantastic debut novel The Hill in the Dark Grove by Liam Higginson. Highly recommended!

#marchreads #amreading #readingcommunity

The Joy of Book Clubs New people + new books = a new lease of life

In my latest blog, I talk about Book Clubs - my experiences, why they are great for introverts and extroverts, and how they benefits writers as well as readers.

Take a look here:
arsenicandcoldcase.substack.com/p/the-joy-of...

#blog #substack #bookclubs #readingcommunity

In celebration of World Book Day, here's the best books I've read so far in 2026, and the upcoming debuts (limited to March to July) that I'm most looking forward to!

#worldbookday #readingcommunity #debuts

Writing Book 2 with early editorial feedback Why the troublesome second book is a very different experience

Writing the oft-troublesome second book can be an ordeal in itself, but is it easier or harder when you get early editorial feedback?

Find out in my latest post…

arsenicandcoldcase.substack.com/p/writing-bo...

Audio track also available.

#substack #blog #book2

Photo shows mini tete-a-tete daffodils growing in a large black planter next to the trunk of a small cherry tree. In the background is a paved patio, another black planter and lawn. Overlaid in white boxes and green text is: Happy St David's Day (at the top) and Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus (at the bottom).

Happy St David's Day all! Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus pawb!

I love March 1st. Not only is it a celebration of Cymru (Wales) and all thing Cymraeg (Welsh), it's also the start of meteorological spring. May the days lengthen and be a little bit drier than of late.

#stdavidsday #dyddgwyldewi #spring

* Room 706 by Ellie Levenson, a fantastic debut that I listened to on audiobook,
* Berwick by LJ Ross, the 24th in the DCI Ryan series, and
* The Secrets Below by Viveca and Camilla Sten, an MG mystery with Scandi folklore, which was my favourite read!

#februaryreads #amreading #readingcommunity

I ended up reading a lot in February, but mostly Steffanie Holmes, a new (to me) author I only discovered this year. Turns out her work - fantasy romance - is exactly what I need right now!

But I also enjoyed three excellent crime/thriller novels...

(1/2)

Tanni Brubaker

It's been such a cold, wet month, but there are signs of spring indoors and outdoors.

Top right: winter heather
Top left: tete a tete daffodil
Bottom right: new monstera leaf
Bottom left: peace lily

#februarygarden

Structural Editing Or, how to build a better story

In today’s blog, I talk about my experience of Structural Editing with my publisher. And if you’d prefer to listen, this blog comes with an audio track too!

arsenicandcoldcase.substack.com/p/structural...

#pathtopublication #editing #structuralediting

Aww, she's gorgeous!

Woop! Congratulations! x

There is a navy blue bar across the top of the image. Overlaid is white text saying: Did you know that my blog "arsenic and cold case [dot] substack [dot] com" is also available as an audio track? Taking up the rest of the image is a picture of unwired black headphones lying flat on a mid-lilac background.

Did you know that my blog is also available as an audio track?

If you haven't listened yet, it's not too late.

#substack #blog #audioincluded

[Photo by C D-X on Unsplash (recoloured)]

"Almost two years on, I have a contract for publication! I simply wouldn't be where I am now without taking a chance on The Greene Door!" - Helen Jones, debut author and Greene Door alum!

Open now, until 27th March!

#GreeneDoor26 #debutauthors #ownvoices @helenjauthor.bsky.social

Creating a Definition of Success Without putting yourself under unnecessary pressure

In my latest substack, I look at whether I need to have a 'definition of success' for my debut novel or, indeed, my entire career as an author...

arsenicandcoldcase.substack.com/p/creating-a...

This substack is also available as an audio track.

#substack #definitionofsuccess #writingcommunity

My audiobook pick was "The Edge of Darkness", written by Vaseem Khan and narrated by Maya Saroya.

And my favourite book, which was also a new release, was "The Alpine Retreat" by Sarah Goodwin.

(3/3)

My 'reduce my TBR' picks were "Opium & Ansinthe" by Lydia Kang, and "One At A Time" by Will Dean.

My book club read was "The Reunion" by M.J. Arlidge and Steph Broadribb.

My 'try something new' pick was "Fangs for Nothing" by Steffanie Holmes.

(2/3)

Here's my January reads!

Only eight books this month, but I hugely enjoyed them all.

New release picks were: "The Grapples of Wrath" by Alice Bell, and "The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts" by Robert Thorogood.

(1/3) #januaryreads #amreading #readingcommunity

Slow Horses by Mick Herron. It has kicked off an obsession with the Slough House series, and spy thrillers more generally.

This is how I found my agent! If you are a writer from an under-represented background and have at least a partly complete novel, do consider applying...

Once more for the evening crowd, whether you want to read or listen ⬇️

2026: The National Year of Reading Go All In!

My latest blog celebrates 2026 as The National Year of Reading. But what does that mean for you and your reading habits?

Article now with audio voiceover!

arsenicandcoldcase.substack.com/p/2026-the-n...

#amreading #nationalyearofreading2026 #goallin

Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026! My review of last year, plus my hopes and goals for the next twelve months

Happy New Year!

In my latest substack, I review what I achieved in 2025, and reveal my hopes and goals for the year ahead.

arsenicandcoldcase.substack.com/p/goodbye-20...

#Goodbye2025 #Hello2026 #HappyNewYear

Definitely feeling, and seeing the difference. Nice to be back in some older clothes too! Happy New Year! x

That's a huge achievement, well done! I'm doing something similar; only 8kg down since Sep but still working at it! x

Here's my December reads...

My favourite book this month was "The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers", a fantastic debut by Samuel Burr. It's a great contemporary mystery with a strong Golden Age voice that felt incredibly immersive. Highly recommended!

#amreading #decemberreads

I highly recommend reading all of the books on this list, but be prepared to kept on the edge of your seat, shed a few tears and also get the urge to move to Scandinavia (despite all the murders)!

(4/4)

#BestOf2025 #readingcommunity

6. Quantum of Menace - Vaseem Khan
7. The Killer Question - Janice Hallett
8. The Ministry of Time - Kaliane Bradley
9. Ice Town - Will Dean
10. Hidden in Memories - Viveca Sten

(3/4)