Happy Publication Day everyone!

 

Our fourth Publication Day of 2025 brings a whole new collection of exciting stories, from a wonderful collective of talented authors!

 

To introduce them, we’ve devised a fun feature – Ask Our Authors – where we send all our newly published writers the same simple question to see how different each answer is…

 

For our April authors, we asked them: if you had full control over your surroundings, what would your perfect reading nook look like?

 

Here are their answers…

 

 

 

 

“I’ve created a Japanese garden with a canopy for rain! It’s bliss, with running water in the background.”

 

Mike Bell, author of R U an Atheist

 

 

“Chilled, glass of bourbon - Woodford Reserve (yes, I’m aware my surname’s the same… might land a free deal one day) - sat on a secluded beach. The sound of the ocean, gentle waves rolling in and absolutely no one else around. That’s my personal chill spot. Just me, the book, and the sea.”

 

Dean Woodford, author of Cretaceous Crater

 

 

“The perfect reading nook would be in a light and airy room, sat upon a large comfortable armchair - not too firm, not too soft - with just enough space for my dog to nestle with me, allowing me to stroke him as I absorb the unfurling tale from the words printed on the bound pages in my hand. There will be adjacent picture windows offering sprawling views of the countryside with open fields and distant hills, a space to look out upon as imagination runs free fueled by the content of the developing story.”

 

Hudson Dean, author of 33 Houses

 

 

“It would have to be a big, lovely sofa. One of those comfy, cushioned ones - not that leather nightmare. I'm quiet partial to the sun-yellow coloured one I have now. It'd have to be near a window, preferably at a higher floor with a nice view where I can both stare off into the distance or watch life come and go in between reads. Nothing beats natural light. A little coffee table with a coaster nearby is a must - all good reads require a sweet, hot beverage to enhance. Extra brownie points for brownies. Soundproofed, I like to have no distractions when I dive into the pages.”

 

András Dávid Fasimon, author of Pedestrian

 

 

“A window seat overlooking the countryside surrounded by books.”

 

T. J. Royal, author of A Compass of Witches

 

 

“As I love the great outdoors and spend as much time outside as possible, my perfect reading nook would be under a sprawling tree on a giant pillow, so my two dogs could lay with me while I devour my pile of books.”

 

S. H. Chase, author of Charlie, Bob and Me (Harry) The Big Wet

 

 

“It’d be tucked in the corner of a quiet room, log burner crackling away, early ‘80s tunes humming in the background - Duran Duran, Human League, maybe a bit of Spandau Ballet. It sat in an old, worn, wing-backed leather chair that’s held together with more memories than stitching, but still comfier than anything new. There’d be a shelf full of books with titles that make me look more intelligent than I am—strictly for show, of course—and a sign on the door that says, “Unless the house is on fire, don’t knock.”

 

Andy Heaton, author of Mirra

 

 

“If I had full control over my surroundings, my perfect reading nook would be a hollow within the stem of an ancient oak tree — wide enough to curl up inside, sheltered from wind and rain. The bark would be warm and smooth from years of stories absorbed, and light would filter softly through the leaves above. A natural sanctuary, quiet and timeless, where I could read undisturbed no matter what the weather decided to do.”

 

Mark Leah, author of Peculiar Petulia

 

 

“A quiet room, with white walls and a small square window with heavy, black out curtains in a light grey colour. Fairy lights would outline the rim of the ceiling and loads of bookshelves to bring life to the empty walls; each bookshelf serving it's own purpose and all the books in height order. Dimly lit by an adjustable overhead lamp with a huge, dark blue beanbag in the corner and a soft blanket to snuggle in while I read. A small, dark oak coffee table next to the beanbag for somewhere to keep my drink and bookmark for easy accessibility so I haven't got to disturb my comfort.”

 

Taylor Harris, author of The Ugly Truth

 

 

“A coffee shop with a good rock playlist.”

 

Andrew Ginsburg, author of Critter Caravan

 

 

 

 

“The small conservatory at the rear of my home.”

 

Jonathan Reach, author of Rain Tests: The Return

 

 

“A crumbling shack my the beach. A shack with a sofa facing the waves, with a pane of glass protecting my cosy space from the raging sea. With warm yellow lights and layers upon layers of blankets and hot steaming tea. My kind of paradise!”

 

Alice R. Perks, author of Thoughts From A Teenage Mind

 

 

“My reading nook would be tucked away in a private little space with just enough light to read, a comfortable recliner, blanket, and a window to enjoy the view between pages.”

 

Alexa Be, author of Red House, Blue House

 

 

“I would choose a cosy beanbag chair in the garden on a summer day - sunny but not too hot, a nice breeze and a tray of snacks to hand!”

 

Jasmine Miller, author of Five Little Doggies

 

 

“The seat would be in front of a huge window. There would be a place to sit or lay as I read. A coffee maker would be included in the nook. I would want pictures of scenes from my favorite books to be around the nook.”

 

Tonya Maness, author of Caring for You as the Memories Fade Away

 

 

“My perfect reading nook would be camping in my fishing tent pitched next to a beautiful tranquil carp lake. Whilst reading my book and waiting for that record breaking carp, I'm lying on my camp bed aware of the calming sound of nature and wildlife.”

 

Roy Fielder, author of Isabelle and the Magic Shed

 

 

“My perfect reading nook would be a wide and pillow filled window seat. The window would overlook the ocean. The weather would be chilly and a little grey- maybe there is a storm coming. There would be warm fuzzy blankets and a fire going in the room. There would also be a fresh cup of coffee in my hand.”

 

Kristina Amor, author of Lucy Love

 

 

“For reading to my grandchildren I love my daughter’s house. The play room has a huge picture window and soft cushions so the children can snuggle up to share a book. The sun streams in through the window and the light is just perfect for these old eyes. For myself, can you beat a sunbed by the pool on holiday?”

 

Sharon Probert, author of Alvin’s Ears

 

 

“I would have to go for an Outlander theme for my book nook. Fraser tartan everywhere.”

 

Pat Goring, author of Making Memories

 

 

“I would start with the third story on an old, Victorian, house. It would be a single room with windows all around. This room is sometimes referred to as a widow's watch. The house would be surrounded by deciduous trees that were as tall as that third story. The interior would be furnished in the Art Neuveux style. Stuffed chairs, a coach, ottoman, and a large oak table would furnish the room - oh, and a rolltop desk. No florescent lighting! only old incandescent lamps. A grandfather clock should tick mellowly in a corner. An old style, small gas heater of an ornate design would heat the copula on cool days. These old heaters glowed softly and made little ticking sounds occasionally. They were popular in the first half of the 20th century. The weather and time of day would be every bit as important as the setting. Late afternoon through starlight would be the best time for reading. Autumn evenings would be lovely. A thunderstorm would be fantastic! A nearby metal tower of a greater height would protect the place from lightning to satisfy all of you concerned meteorologists.”

 

Brian Keith Day, author of The Selkie and the Sand Dwarf

 

 

 

 

“My perfect, whimsical reading nook would be in a tree house with an arched, wooden door. It would have a large round window, overlooking a forest of trees, a comfy daybed full of colourful pillows, and naturally, wall to wall books. It would also be filled with twinkly lights and candles - heaven!”

 

Marina Di Girolamo, author of Just What We Need

 

 

“I would love to have a vintage desk by a large window, with several bookcases as I love to keep handwritten copies of any written work of mine and any of my favourite books. A place I can also relax whilst also used for work.”

 

Jade. E. MorganHunt., author of The Volume of the Heart

 

 

“For me it would depend on what I'm reading. I like to read in places that support what I'm reading about. Hence, I don't read Christmas stories sitting on a beach.

 

But my go to place would be a large comfy chair that I could flop my legs over the side, tucked away on a balcony, in the sunshine with an ocean breeze and sailboats passing by. I'd stay there all day and get nothing done.”

 

R.L. Weiss, author of My Grandma Has a Dragon

 

 

“I'm not sure I have a perfect surrounding to write in. Often, I get inspiration on a rainy day when I cannot get out. The cosy environment inside whilst Mother Nature sheds her tears outside is enough to have me sitting at my computer thinking of my next story!”

 

Pauline Gibb, author of Lally's Law

 

 

“If I had full control of my surroundings my perfect reading nook would transport me into another place. I’d step through the door to be greeted by a crackling fire, books covering the walls - from the floor to the ceiling - and a large window that looks out onto rainy mountains. Near that window would be a plush and very comfy pink oversized reading chair for me to curl up in and read.”

 

Natasha Turpin, author of Destined

 

 

“Apart from a warm bed in a quiet house, it would be a glass fronted shed on the banks of a clean river.”

 

Roger Hand, author of Maisey and the Lamplighter

 

 

“I was recently advertised this on Instagram… did you know there are hotel rooms made of all glass, built into the side of mountains, hovering over gorges, somewhere on the other side of the world, catering to millionaire tourists? Before I saw this on Instagram, I would have said that my perfect reading nook would be an eagle’s nest, high up in some gnarly tree, jutting out (all sketchy) from the side of a cliff. But I think I want the glass hotel room instead, if only for the promise of a good cup of coffee while I immerse myself in some character driven fantasy series.”

 

Marybeth Romeo, author of We Should Be So Lucky

 

 

“Imagine a tiny cottage overlooking a lovely blue lake and surrounded by a flower garden, with doors I could open to let in birdsong with the breeze. Along with a comfy chair and a soft blanket, I would include two cozy beds for my dog, Oliver, and my cat, Sophie. They are perfect reading companions. And, of course, there would be a wall of shelves for all my favorite books.”

 

Robin Porter, author of The Garden Cat

 

 

“A warm sitting room with a comfy armchair and at least one cat purring beside me.”

 

Sue Woodcock, author of Going, Going, Gone!

 

 

“A soft, warm (not too hot) white sandy beach. Crystal clear blue water, a cloudless bright blue sky with a hammock strung between two palm trees providing just enough shade but not too much. Exotic cold drinks served on a regular basis and an interesting, educational well written novel about the most important event in the history of Great Britain.”

 

Dennis L. Carstens, author of SWINGATE: Life and London When Britain Stood Alone

 

 

 

 

“The view of any type of water: ponds, lakes, a river or the ocean.”

 

Catherine Cox, author of Hidden Desire

 

 

“My perfect reading nook would be outside on a sunny day surrounded by flowers and life. I would be in a swinging egg chair full of cushions with a butler on hand for refreshments.”

 

Nikki Lauder, author of What kind of big brother am I going to be?

 

 

“In summer, a seat in the sunshine, in the peace garden of my local church.”

 

James Milligan, author of A Book of Poems for People Under 4ft 2

 

 

“A bed on my own private beach.”

 

Dennis Golonka, author of Two Faced

 

 

“My favorite reading nook isn’t a nook at all - in fact, I am the nook. I’m on the playroom floor with a grandchild snuggled in my right elbow and the other in my left elbow. Since I don't have a free hand, they each have to hold the book. The perfect reading spot!”

 

Lee Stephenson Birkhold, author of Before We Say Goodbye

 

 

“Large window overlooking a lake, a large armchair or built in seating with tons of cushions and lamps to set the mood for rainy day reading.”

 

Janet Osei Maull-Nicol, co-author of How Monday Lost Her Blues

 

 

“If I had full control over my surroundings, my perfect book would be a collection of poems I’ve written over the years. I started writing when I was nine - my very first poem was called I Am What I Am - and I’ve been writing ever since. I picture the book like a scrapbook of poems, kind of like a journal, showing where my head and heart were at different points in my life.

 

I’d love to put it all together somewhere peaceful, like on a beach. There’s just something about the sound of the waves and being close to nature that helps me feel grounded and creative. Just me, a notepad, a pen, and the ocean - that’s the vibe. The book would be a reflection of my journey, all the way from then to now.”

 

Munyaradzi Chidakwa, co-author of How Monday Lost Her Blues

 

 

“Oh, I love this question! If I had full control over my surroundings, I would be outside on a hammock on a sunny day. Ideally, I would be right next to the ocean getting to listen to the waves. In addition to my hammock, I would have lots of soft blankets, pillows and my snuggly dog, Sunny. My favorite part of a reading nook is that you feel so comfortable you do not want to get up. Comfortably tucked in with my snuggly pup on a hammock by the ocean with a large cup of coffee in my hand would be all that I need!”

 

Maureen McNally, author of Saying Goodbye to My Best Friend Teddy

 

 

“Viganj is a beachside village on the beautiful Pelješac peninsula in the heart of Croatia’s Dalmation coast. The family and I have visited Viganj many times, always staying at the same villa because the luxurious front patio has inspiring views of the turquoise blue waters of the Adriatic, the stunning walled medieval town of Kor?ula and scores of exhilarating kitesurfers zooming past the front door. The perfect spot to while away a few hours with a good book and a G&T!”

 

Craig McMillan, author of A Call To Arms

 

 

 

Thank you to our authors for taking part in this feature!

 

Make sure to take a look at our newest titles in our “Latest Releases” category today!

 

Happy Publication Day everyone!