Happy Publication Day everyone!

 

Our first 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 new feature for the year – Ask Our Authors – where we send all our newly published writers the same simple question to see how different each answer is…

 

For our January authors, we asked them: apart from the release of your new book, what are you most excited for in 2025?

 

Here are their answers…

 

 

 

 

“I have a sense that the tide is turning, bringing a new sense of optimism. The world now seems ready to understand the damage being done by renewables, which is a core message of my book.”

 

Richard Samulis, author of 2050: A Warning

 

 

“Apart from the release of my book, the thing I am most looking forward to in 2025 is performing with Twin Cities Ballet. Our next upcoming performance is Romeo and Juliet: A Rock Ballet, which we will be performing with a live band to the iconic Queen music. On top of my passion for writing and storytelling, I also have a huge love and drive for ballet and performing. I am really looking forward to the rest of my performances this year!”

 

Keara Nichols, author of 31 Students in a Suitcase

 

 

“What am I most excited about? Well at my age, I try to avoid too much excitement, but I am looking forward to getting my study decorated and shelved so that for the first time ever I will be able to see and access all the books that I have acquired over the last sixty years or so. I suspect that reshelving them will take some years as when I start to sort and categorise them in a vain attempt to recycle a few I will probably end up reading them!”

 

Grahame C W Howard, author of A Girl Called Crocker

 

 

“2025 will be a year of goodbyes and exciting new beginnings for me. I will go to Berlin to do my final performance reading of my book, A Glass of Albarino and a Pillowcase of Bones, in a theatre in Kreuzberg. As Christopher Ishetlrwood once said, “Say goodbye to Berlin,” where I once lived for 17 years. Then, I will return to Madrid to do a second reading of the book at The Avantgarde Museum Le Neomudejar.

 

Later in the year I will retire… and I will leave Madrid to move to Valencia - new city, new experiences. Change is always good… And I will definitely get a dog.”

 

Jon Flynn, author of A Glass of Albarino and a Pillowcase of Bones

 

 

“The hardships I faced in Ghana and the United Kingdom were never expected to culminate in such a significant achievement. Finally, realising my lifelong ambition of becoming an auto biographer fills me with immense relief. Throughout these difficult times, I remained steadfast, driven by the desire to create a helpful and inspiring resource for others navigating similar challenges. This unwavering dedication has proven truly worthwhile.

 

The publication of my story also validates a prediction made by a sub-chief at Bomaa Palace in Ghana. As detailed in A Short Journey…So Long, he remarked that I had experienced the true trials of life. This affirmation gives me ample cause for celebration in 2025 and the years to come.”

 

Collins Oppong-Kyekyeku, author of A Short Journey…So Long

 

 

“With the publication of my first novel, I am most excited for the new opportunities that are presenting themselves to network with other writers, authors and professionals from within the industry. It’s like being awakened to an entirely new world of which I have become a part. The creativity, the playfulness, the willingness to take risks… this community of practice gives me such a fresh outlook on life.”

 

Sece Garrett, author of All the Wrong Men

 

 

“I am looking forward to the birth of my third grandchild - a girl - in March, and a writing trip to the Isle of Skye in April, where I want to write her a children’s book.”

 

Patrick Whitby Russell, author of Barton the College Cat

 

 

“Aside from the release of my book, which is my first professionally published novel, I am excited to see what 2025 brings for my writing career. I have been working toward this for a very long time. I am hoping that this book is just the beginning of a long line of stories that I get to share with the world.”

 

A.R. Goodrich, author of Becoming Anna

 

 

“The snake crawls through the grass in the meadow and leaves behind it a spiral pattern for the new year to follow. So, I walk through this snake-spiral path and tell myself to watch the stems on my Phyllanthus Nova plant as it grows and stretches towards the sun. And when it does, I'll read Cao Xue Qin's The Story of The Stone for the fourth time and hope to catch a glimpse of time within its pages. Then when the wind blows again in the evening, I'll think of the trees in the Alishan mountains and promise them a painting.”

 

Lee Jia-An, author of Bites of The Southeast

 

 

“I’m most looking forward to promoting my new book in schools, bookshops and other events. I’m also looking forward to going on holiday with my family, walks with my dog Sunny and hopefully a nice summer as I love warm weather!”

 

Linsey Fletcher, author of Bob’s Magic Boots

 

 

 

 

“In addition to the publication of Bogre the Ogre, Bertie and I are most excited to be getting a puppy this year! We have finally made the decision (after years of convincing my husband, Jacob) to get a Whippet puppy in the autumn. We're counting down the days!”

 

Bertie and Lauren Hartshorn, authors of Bogre the Ogre Who Really Loves Yoga

 

 

“Every new year holds within it hope for the future. With the first quarter of the twenty-first century already under our belts I am excited to see how our increasing interconnectedness as citizens of the world takes shape! I am hopeful that we will see each other more as friends and fellow travellers than as strangers and competitors.”

 

Anne Marie Harris, author of Bound by an Oath

 

 

“I am looking forward to seeing spring flowers as I'm not a winter person. Also, I'm looking forward to my husband enjoying another Christmas - as he has terminal cancer.”

 

Janet Owens, author of Bunny's Magical Moon

 

 

“Travel! I need to let myself be carried away this year, hopefully to somewhere remote in South America. Aside from visiting friends in foreign lands, traveling sparks my creativity and will undoubtedly inspire me to do more of what I love - writing!”

 

Michael Garms, author of Carrie’d Away

 

 

“Apart from the release of my book, what I'm most excited for in 2025 is a family cruise to Alaska with my parents, my four brothers (and their families), my husband and our three kids! It should be spectacular!"

 

Marcy Ray Dodd, author of Clan of Critters

 

 

“This year, I am excited to refine my creative process and seek new inspiration alongside the release of my first book. I am happy to be part of today’s zeitgeist, witnessing contemporary artists and how they reflect the changes of the era. I hope to draw from that energy, channel it into my writing, and share more with everyone.”

 

E. G. Chambers, author of Come Wander With Me

 

 

“In 2025 - aside from publication - I am excited to graduate with my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and continuing my journey into full licensure as a counselor.”

 

J. M. Adams, author of Covert PsyOps: Shield

 

 

“All my books are set in sunny Italy- including my new book, Dark Harvest. Next month, I look forward to moving into a new apartment close to Venice, where I intend to write another Italian romance.”

 

Orna O'Reilly, author of Dark Harvest

 

 

“In 2025, I'm excited to dream more, to identify what I really want and to go after it! I'm excited to make new connections with audiences as I grow in my authorship. Also, I'm excited to intentionally live with my higher purpose, which is both to help improve my community by serving those who may be less fortunate and share the magic of believing in your dreams in order to manifest them for a more joyous and fulfilling life.”

 

D. B. Soel, author of Dream Seed

 

 

“This year is going to be a bit wild! First, I’m thrilled to see kids dive into my new book—fingers crossed their faces say ‘Wow!’ and not ‘Huh?’ But that’s just the warm-up! We’ve got milestone madness ahead: my 60th birthday (yes, I’ve aged like a fine wine, or at least a sturdy cheese), my son’s 30th (he’s officially a real adult which is pretty scary), and 40 years of marriage (medals all round). It’s going to be a year of stories, parties, laughter, probably too much Prosecco and cake.”

 

Christina B Bianco, author of Frog Fish & Worm

 

 

 

 

"With each new year, I strive for personal growth. This year, I'm determined to step outside my comfort zone more often. I'm eager to explore new places and embark on mini adventures with my family. I'm excited to see what this year holds and the memories we'll create together."

 

Dawn Kulani, author of How Not to Have a One Night Stand

 

 

“Aside from the publication of our first children's book, How To Build A Universe, we are excited for all the cultural adventures 2025 will bring! We will celebrate our 8th year of marriage and are most excited to attend Ministry Of Sound Classical at the Royal Albert Hall in June."

 

Samuel and Connor Shearer, authors of How To Build A Universe

 

 

"I am most excited for new opportunities that I encounter and get to create throughout the year - to spread my mission of sharing mindfulness, growth mindset, peace and joy to others. I am grateful for moments to come in life with family, friends and new connections with those are like-minded individuals seeking to find or fulfil their purposes. Like most years, I look forward to the change in seasons to enjoy nature and new lessons to learn throughout the year!"

 

Jane Schoonover, author of I Am, That I Am Just Like Nature – Let Me Be Me

 

 

“Apart from the release of my book, the thing I am most excited about for 2025 is the arrival of my new nephew. Due in February, he will be number six of my nephews and nieces - and the best part is, he lives on a tropical island off the coast of Queensland, Australia, so it means I get to travel to a beautiful place to meet him!”

 

Kelsy Lochead, author of Kiki and the Bug

 

 

“Celebrating Australia Day, slugging down a few brews, chomping on savoury smoked snags and boot-scooting to the iconic Bushwackers at Tamworth’s Country Music Festival was a great way to kick off 2025. All outside the norm, but what the hell – it’s what we Aussies do. So what can top that? Making new connections excites me most, as does connecting readers with my characters, leaving everyone in fits of laughter or creating tears of joy or awe, and hopefully providing meaningful insight. This year, I’d like to share the excitement of writing, researching new storylines, and taking storytelling to a new level.”

 

David Alan, author of Little Patti: Empath

 

 

“This year is the year that I can officially retire. But will I? I think not.

 

With the publication of my first book London Heat and the second book Silent Tide being only a few weeks away from completion, 2025 is starting with a bang! Silent Tide is the second book in this trilogy and while I do have the third book sketched out, I do intend to indulge myself this year by writing a book that has been fermenting for more than fifty years.

 

I’m also excited to continue my journey into the world of jazz guitar. It has been a bit of a wrench letting my attention stray from the Blues, but I’m always up for a new challenge.

 

Spending quality time with my wife and kids is always a main theme running through my life, whether at home or away. We love to spend time by the sea whenever we can, it’s always good to recharge the batteries.”

 

Robert Lancaster, author of London Heat

 

 

“Apart from the release and promoting of my book, I am most looking forward to spending some quality time with my husband Darren and dog Bella, travelling around the UK in Maverick, the camper van we purchased last year - of course, Manu will be coming along for the ride too! Exciting times ahead!”

 

Michelle Noble-Jones, author of Manu the Orangutan

 

 

“I am so excited to think that 2025 will be the year that as a new author Toni Mee will become a household name in the sphere of children’s fiction books.

 

Mickey The Monkey is a story about my granddaughter Abbie’s favourite cuddly toy and she is incredibly proud to know that he will become famous!

 

I hope that many young readers will also fall in love with this impish little chap.”

 

Toni Mee, author of Mickey The Monkey

 

 

“Writing Missy Moochi Daisy was such a fun experience and apart from my book’s release in 2025, I am most excited about spending some time in Europe. I’m looking forward to the European sunshine, food and ultimately relaxing.”

 

Beth Dodaro, author of Missy Moochi Daisy

 

 

“Apart from the release of my book, I'm very excited about retiring from my lecturing job, which will give me more time to organise book promotions. I’ve already finished a second volume and I'm looking forward to getting that published for Christmas 2025.”

 

P. J. McKeown, author of My Generation: The Memoirs of a Second-Generation Irish Wimpy Kid

 

 

 

 

“January 2025 is looking to be an exciting year with the release of my new book! The other exciting life-changing event, which I am very much looking forward to, is my retirement later this year. Although looking forward with anticipation to retiring, I still find the prospect a bit unsettling. However, it should give me some extra time to do the things I enjoy most - like writing.”

 

Helen Renton, author of Remember When…

 

 

“In 2025 I am most excited for change! My family is preparing for a big move, my daughter will be turning two, and I will release more projects as the year progresses. 2025 will be a year of new experiences and I am very excited!”

 

Alexis Young, author of Rosie the Whale Shark

 

 

“This year is especially exciting for my family and me as we eagerly await the arrival of our new baby in early March! I look forward to reading my latest book, Sadie the Chatty Squirrel by Olivia Svacha, to my two-year-old son and newborn baby. It will be most rewarding to share my love of reading while inspiring them to dream big and follow their passions.”

 

Olivia Svacha, author of Sadie the Chatty Squirrel

 

 

“Each year is a page in the book of our lives - or as Charlie Brown says, ‘365 opportunities.’ We bend or compress as external events impact us, but underlying everything is the plot driven by our beliefs, needs, strengths and weaknesses. Only at the end will we know if we have sailed a true course by the satisfaction or regret how we feel. The journey is all. The excitement comes from how it affects the lives of others - being part of the story of our family, friends, community, the world, encountering other people’s stories, creating more.”

 

C. L. Roberts, author of Six Tales from Shakespeare

 

 

“In 2025, I'm really excited to be expanding my youth mentoring initiative called 'The Hero Project'. We're working with schools and libraries to deliver programmes that inspire young people to be the hero of their own story. It's such an amazing feeling to be the reason someone feels seen, heard and supported - and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me!”

 

Chloe Westley, author of The Angel of Dreams

 

 

“The New Year brings much excitement, with the release of my new children's book, The Awakening - which uses patterns and clues to assist children in discovering animals waking from their long winter's nap.

 

I am excited to explore possibilities for a supplement to this book, emphasizing the science topics of hibernation, adaptations, animal tracks, and the sun's progression across the sky.

 

I’m also looking forward to traveling to new places and spending time with loved ones.”

 

Jeanne Hager Burth, author of The Awakening

 

 

“I have led an exciting and adventurous life and this year I am building a home on a very rocky mountain in Northeast India. If ever I can complete it this year, I will be very excited because it has been a difficult task.”

 

Edgar Henry Baskerville, author of The Beachcomber who becomes Master of Ceremonies for Prince Phillip and Lord Mountbatten

 

 

“We’re going to move home in 2025. As well as being nearer our family and friends, I hope that living in a new area will bring inspiration for new story ideas.”

 

Anwen John, author of The Canterbury Cullings

 

 

“I’m most excited to engage with future fans of my work and begin working on the next instalments of my short story saga / other science fiction projects. While exploring and testing my capabilities as a writer is important and exciting for my development, the potential of speaking to the people who will read my stories and understanding what aspect of my work appeals to them is far more invigorating because it is through that feedback that I’ll be able to form my most impactful improvements.”

 

Richard Houlden, author of The Cartographer’s Vault

 

 

“This is actually a question I have been asking myself since the new year started and I can honestly say I’m excited to watch my children’s growth and my own as an author/mother. Life comes with so many uncertainties, so I feel it’s important to relish what is truly important to us.

 

For me it’s the happiness of my family and the growth I will do as a person through the new journey of becoming an author, as well as what it might bring to our family. I’m also excited to start getting my next book typed up, I have already put pen to paper and now just need to get it to come together and to see what will transpire for the next dream that gets my character home”

 

Emma Tarver, author of The Dream that Got me Home

 

 

 

 

“I am very excited for 2025 because I am in the process of downsizing, which allows me to treat my sons, my niece & their families to two amazing holidays. Firstly, going to Disney Orlando and then off to Lapland for 3 days to meet with the legendary Santa Claus - and hopefully to see the Northern Lights.

 

I just want to see all their faces, adults as well as children having fun and being blown away by the sheer magic of it all. I have also started writing my second slightly funny book about my son living with a brain injury which I hope will please, amuse & interest many more followers.”

 

Julie Sparkes, author of The Good Villain and Lady Diana Spencer

 

 

“Apart from the release of my book, in 2025 I am most excited to officiate the wedding of two of my closest friends, Gina and Charlie. I have known Gina since we were in college and met Charlie early into their relationship. As soon as they started dating, I knew that their love was real and one worth celebrating. I am so excited to be a part of their special day, officially!”

 

Samantha Stone, author of The Kitchen Magician

 

 

“In 2025, I am most looking forward to getting back into writing my second book as part of The Land of Acornia trilogy. This will mean going out into nature once again to do my research, being surrounded by nature- the peace and quiet that it brings is something I feel everybody should do at least once a month. I am also looking forward to seeing where this crazy journey - which started when I submitted my manuscript - will take me next.”

 

K. P. Mann, author of The Land of Acornia, The Search for the Golden Oak Leaves

 

 

“Apart from the release of The Maasai Mara, I’m most excited about celebrating my mom’s 60th birthday with a special surprise planned with my sisters. 2025 will also be about growing in my career and exploring the world with loved ones. As Paulo Coelho says in The Alchemist, "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting."”

 

Sofia Sales Holod, author of The Maasai Mara

 

 

“There’s lots to be excited about in 2025 (too much to mention!) but I’m particularly excited about going on holiday to Kuwait in April and then doing an Italian road trip in August. Who knows, maybe it’ll provide some inspiration for the next novel?”

 

Christopher J Eddie, author of The Menorah 1979

 

 

“For the year of 2025 I would like to make a wish from deep within my heart for as many children to read, or have read to them, my children's book The Mummie Mummies so that they may feel the immense joy that I too felt whilst writing it.

 

Moreover, I wish for all children of the world to be able to live in peace and harmony amongst themselves and others. The world can be an extremely joyous place if we could allow ourselves to live as children, alongside them, as often as we can.”

 

Maria George, author of The Mummie Mummies

 

 

“There are so many things I am looking forward to in 2025. Other than my first book, The Princess and the Traveler, being released on January 30th, I am looking forward to new opportunities, summertime fun, and my kids’ birthday later this year. This is a year of growth and excitement for me, and I am looking forward to every minute of it!”

 

Brittany Raines, author of The Princess and the Traveler

 

 

 

 

“I'm reliably informed that the joys of luxurious living wane over time. Champagne and canapes are replaced by strong tea and ham sandwiches with pickle. To put this hypothesis to the test I am looking forward to staying for a week in a very select hotel in Devon. It can't be true - can it?”

 

Anne Bealing, author of The Safari Park Lion

 

 

“I’m excited to get back to horse riding, now that my ankle is better after spraining it. I’m also looking forward to spending more time with my family and visiting South Africa.”

 

Lexie Beament, author of The Unicorn Who Lost Her Horn

 

 

“In 2025, I am most excited about writing my second novel. This will be a sequel to my first book, Trouble, with the main character returning to face new dangers and challenges.”

 

Rupert Ellenborough, author of Trouble

 

 

“Apart from my first book coming out this year, I am most looking forward to the Rock Choir performances I am partaking in throughout the year. The performances that I enjoy the most are the larger ones, including the Bath and West show, playing Middlewick House and the theatre performances. The choir that I am in performs across Wiltshire and Somerset.”

 

Simon Burleigh, author of Utopia

 

 

“What I am most excited for in 2025 (apart from the release of my book) is a chance for a new beginning and making new friends along the way. As a writer living with a permanent physical disability, my day to day can often be daunting and difficult to get through, so I hope 2025 brings forth a year of healing (both physical and emotional) and rebuilding relationships (both interpersonal and with oneself).

 

Living with a disability can also be very isolating so I hope for the chance to step out into the world and be accepted for who I am as well as have my work be received well by a general audience.”

 

Saquib Ahsan, author of Voyagers I

 

 

“My word of 2025 is thrive. Not only am I looking forward to my book being published this year, but I'm excited for the opportunities this year presents: professionally and personally, everything from health & wellness to personal goals. I'm looking forward to 2025's challenges and joys and how I'll be a stronger person in 2026.”

 

Olivia R. Bellep, author of West, Alex

 

 

“This year, I am really excited to delve more into story writing and seeing where I can take my stories. I also have two charities which take up a lot of my time so writing, for me, is a way of relaxing and doing something for myself. Watch this space!”

 

Ashleigh Hirst, author of Winston the Groggy Dog

 

 

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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!