2026- The year the dream becomes real (Published Autor Era)
January 2026
Hello and welcome to 2026, fellow readers and followers! December was a quiet month as I slowed down for Christmas, New Year, and my birthday — I turned 40 and welcomed a whole new decade of my life. I had a lovely, relaxing holiday in Germany with my family, which was exactly what I needed. I hope you all had a wonderful festive season too and got lots of books. I certainly did — lucky girl! I must have been good again last year. I also received a laptop stand and a phone stand, which will really help with writing and managing my social media for my author career.
I didn’t work much on Whispers Of The Welsh Valley or A Forbidden Romance, but while I was away, I did manage to do some writing.
My poetry collection, Heartfelt Poems To Inspire, has been my main focus. I’ve been working hard on editing the poems, preparing them for formatting and layout. There’s still lots to do — ISBNs, formatting, layout, and getting everything ready for my author copy so I can check it all before publication in February 2026. I can’t wait to share this collection with you. These poems come straight from my heart and soul; some are personal, and some are born from imagination.
I have big plans for 2026, and I still can’t believe that this year I will be a published author. There’s still so much to do to get ready for publication, so this month will be busy but exciting.
Progress on the poetry collection is going well. I’m editing the poems, back cover, and dedication to make sure everything feels right before moving into layout and adding the ISBN to both the paperback and e‑book versions. I’ve also been researching printers and distributors and have chosen Book Vault for all my books. They distribute worldwide and offer things I’d like to explore in the future. I’ve also been thinking about merchandise — I have lots of ideas for later on.
I’ve been coming up with new ideas for my novels too, and once the poetry collection is almost ready for publication, I’m excited to get back to writing them. Sophia and Logan, Min and Carlie, Tae and Hallie, Flo and Marcus — they’re all waiting for their stories to continue, but they’ll have to wait just a little longer.
I have so many ideas for future books as well. They never stop — usually arriving at the worst possible moment when I have nothing to write them down with. I always think, “I’ll remember,” and of course… I never do. Well, hardly ever.
I’m also working on a BTS fan fiction that I plan to give to them, so I won’t be making it public. I hope to finish it soon and send it to their management, hoping they receive it before their world tour and enjoy it. I’ve been a fan since last year and wanted to write something just for them. I’ve also written a couple of poems for them, which will be included in my poetry collection as a little appreciation.
February 2026
What a month this has been! Chaotic in the best way, emotional, exciting, and yes — testing at times too. But it’s also LAUNCH MONTH, which still feels surreal to say.
What I’ve Been Reading
I finished When Worlds Collide by Kate Alexander and the ending absolutely floored me. It was emotional, beautifully written, and so well‑researched — especially the K‑Pop industry and Korean culture. I adored the characters and can’t wait for the next book.
My next reads are Me and Mr Darcy by Alexandra Potter and Book Boyfriendby Lucy Vine. I’m really looking forward to diving into both.
Author Copies & Launch Prep
My author copies have been coming and going with tweaks and adjustments, but I finally received one that was absolutely perfect. Then came the big moment — ordering and receiving 200 copies of my book for the launch on the 27th February. It was exciting, mind‑blowing, and overwhelming in the best possible way. They’re all checked and ready for launch day.
Admin, Organisation & Behind the Scenes
There has been so much admin behind the scenes — printing invoices, organising paper files, updating spreadsheets… two years’ worth of work is no joke! But I’m finally up to date and ready for HMRC and the new tax year.
I’ve also designed new invoices for both bulk and individual orders, which feels very official.
Social Media & Email List
I’ve increased my social media presence ready for launch, and I’ve created a brand‑new welcome email for anyone who signs up to my mailing list. Lots of exciting things will be shared there first.
Website Launch
I’ve also been working on my website, which officially launches on the 26th February, the day before the book release. I’m so proud of how it’s turned out — please check it out when it goes live.
Becoming a Published Author
I am scared, excited, nervous, and proud all at once because…
I am now a PUBLISHED AUTHOR.
I can’t wait for you to hold this book in your hands. Two years of hard work, sleepless nights, blood, sweat, tears, stress, and worry — all worth it. I couldn’t be prouder of what I’ve created, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed bringing it to life.
BTS Fan Fiction Update
I’ve been thinking about what to send to BTS, but after checking the rules, I realised my story is romance — which isn’t allowed. I would never want to make them or their team uncomfortable or cross any boundaries. They’re human beings, and boundaries matter, no matter who you are — actor, singer, model, or anyone in the public eye.
It made me sad, of course, but as a creative I understand. Respect comes first, always. I’ve always been that kind of fan, and I always will be (even if I have to check myself sometimes — and sometimes the people close to me do too).
Merchandise
I’m excited to share that I also have merchandise coming for my Heartfelt Poems To Inspirecollection. Bookmarks are on the way and will be sold alongside the books on my website.
Where to Buy
The only place to buy my books and merch will be directly from my website. I thought long and hard about this, and it’s the right choice for me. It keeps everything in my control, allows me to offer signed copies, boxsets, and little extras if I choose to. Postage and packing will be added on top of the book or merch price.
Publishing Name
Another big update — I am publishing under Christina James Press, writing as Christina James Author.
That’s February!
I think that’s everything for this month. I’ll see you in March’s blog post.
Check out my website, sign up to my email list (exclusives and first news go there), and follow me on socials to stay up to date.
Thank you so much for all the support. I love you all and appreciate you.
March 2026 Romance HQ Update
This month has been a little quieter at Romance HQ, with life and illness getting in the way, but there are some lovely updates to share.
The biggest milestone is that it’s now been one whole month since I became a published author. I want to thank everyone who has bought my poetry book — your support means the world. Sales are slowly growing, and every single one brings me so much joy.
I’ve also been reaching out to local bookshops and Tourist Information Centres to see if they’d like to stock my book. I’m thrilled to say that Leominster Tourist Information Centre has agreed to take copies on a sale‑or‑return basis, so do pop in and have a look. I’m still waiting to hear back from the local bookshop, so fingers crossed.
Reviews
If you’ve read my poetry book, I would love it if you could leave a review. Reviews make such a difference for independent authors — they help new readers discover my work and support the growth of Christina James Press. Whether it’s a few words or a longer message, every review means the world to me.
Sharing Your Reviews
If you’re happy for your review to be shared on my website or social media, please feel free to email me or send me a message to let me know. I always appreciate your support and love being able to highlight your kind words.
Website
My website is now officially live: christinajamesauthor.co.uk
Here you’ll find:
information about my books
my writing blog
updates
and my shop
It’s also the only place where you can buy my books and merchandise. I’ve updated it this month to include worldwide shipping, and I’m fully stocked with packaging materials and ready for orders.
Merchandise
Merch is now available alongside my book. At the moment, bookmarks are the first item in the shop, but I have lots of ideas for future merchandise. Each book will eventually have its own themed items, so keep an eye out for new releases.
Business Cards
I now have my official Christina James Press business cards, ready for events, festivals, and anyone who wants to connect with my work. They match my author branding and will be available at all future events — including the Leominster Festival in June.
Admin
I’ve been working hard behind the scenes on all the admin for my current book. I now have a full system in place for:
books
merchandise
invoices
tax‑year organisation
This new setup is going to make everything so much easier going forward. I’ve designed my own invoices, kept everything filed, updated spreadsheets, and prepared all the paperwork I need.
I’ve also been promoting my poetry book, updating the website, and keeping on top of the general admin that comes with running Christina James Press.
Current & Future Projects
I’m finally able to get back to my three works‑in‑progress. I haven’t written much this month and I’ve missed it terribly, so April will be my return to writing.
My focus going forward will be:
Whispers of the Welsh Valley
A Forbidden Romance
Royalty in Dreamland
Once they’re written, I’ll share release dates — though these are still a long way off.
I also now have series names for both my K‑pop series and my Whispers series. As always, new ideas keep arriving, and I’m excited to see where they take me.
Fanfiction Update
For those following my fanfiction projects, I’m putting them on hold for now. With the current circumstances around what we can and can’t send, I want to take some time to think things through properly. With the BTS boys heading out on their world tour this coming week, it feels like the right moment to pause, reflect, and make sure I’m handling everything respectfully and safely.
The fanfics aren’t cancelled — just resting for a little while. Once things settle and I’ve had time to consider the best way forward, I’ll share more updates.
Exciting News
I’m delighted to announce that I’ll have a stall at the Leominster Festival Family Fun Day on 13th June. I’ll be selling my poetry book and bookmarks, and I’d love for you to come and say hello. There may even be a few surprises and activities for you to enjoy.
Thank You
I can’t express how much your support and interest in my books means to me. I have so many plans for this year and beyond, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Until next month — keep reading, keep dreaming, and stay tuned for more romance and magic.
April 2026
Welcome to this month’s blog post — here’s what’s happening at Romance HQ! This year is flying by and somehow we’re already heading into May. How?! Easter was a lovely chilled time with my family and loved ones, and yes… I ate far too many treats and chocolate. I hope you all had a cosy time with goodies too.
Books
Heartfelt Poems To Inspire I’m continuing to promote my published poetry collection. You can get it from my websitewww.christinajamesauthor.co.ukor pick up a copy at Leominster Tourist Information Centre. A huge thank you to everyone who has bought it and shared such kind words — it means the world.
Writing
I’ve been easing myself back into my creative worlds and it feels so good. The ideas are flowing again, and I’ve been scribbling notes in my notebooks (and anywhere else I can!) for future books and current works‑in‑progress. The joys of being a creative — inspiration always arrives at the worst possible moment.
K‑Pop Series — Love Beyond the Curtain Yes… it’s officially a full three‑book series now! Book One, A Forbidden Romance, is well underway, and I’m loving writing Callie & Min and Tae & Hallie’s love stories. Expect passion, romance, danger, heartbreak, and the fast‑paced world of the K‑pop industry. Perfect for romance readers and K‑pop fans alike.
Love in the Valley Duology Book One, Whispers of the Welsh Valley, is coming together again after I stepped back to rework some backstory. I’m now happily back with Sophie and Logan’s love story — full of heart, longing, drama, and slow‑burn passion. A true journey to a happy ending.
Christmas Novella Still on the back burner while I decide whether the original idea still works. We’ll see where it goes.
Fanfiction Fun
I’ve also written a little fanfiction inspired by the Ticketmaster chaos — for all the BTS fans (and fans of other K‑pop groups!) who went through the same emotional rollercoaster. It’s based on what I experienced… but told in a fun, fictional way. You can find it on Weverse and my socials. Do check it out, share it, comment, and enjoy — who knows, maybe one day it might even reach the BTS boys. I’m sure if it ever did, they’d get a good laugh out of it.
Events
The big thing this month is preparing for the Family Fun Day in June at Leominster Festival. I’m nervous and excited in equal measure, but I can’t wait to see you there. Do come and say hi!
Admin
The less glamorous side of being a creative… Tax returns, invoices, and all the behind‑the‑scenes bits are up to date. Not fun, but necessary.
Life & Reading
Life is busy as always — work, writing, and everything in between. I’m hoping to get back into reading soon as I’ve been in a bit of a slump these last few months.
See you all next month, fellow readers. Thank you for being here and supporting my creative journey.
May 2026
Here we are in May — and what a month it’s been!
I’ve had loads of admin to tackle: emails to bookshops, tourist information centres, and starting to look at getting my book into even more places… so stay tuned!
Heartfelt Poems to Inspire is now available in Hereford Tourist Information Centre, as well as still being stocked in the Leominster TIC. There’s so much to do when you’re an indie author running your own business — you don’t realise it when you first start! I have also sent a copy of my book to the British Library for the legal deposit, which was a huge milestone.
Alongside all this, I’ve been preparing for the Leominster Festival Family Fun Day in June. Still lots to do, but we’re getting there! I can’t wait to see you on Saturday 13th June — not long to go now.
Writing-wise, I’ve been working on my K‑pop novel A Forbidden Romance and dipping back intoWhispers of the Welsh Valley too. Hopefully in June I’ll be able to write even more. The ideas are flowing, and everything is slowly taking shape… even if the ideas always seem to arrive at the most inconvenient moments!
After months in a reading dry spell, I finally picked up a book again and I’m slowly getting back into reading, which has been lovely.
And yes — ideas for the next part of the BTS fan‑fiction Ticketmaster Saga are brewing too, but they’ll wait until I have the motivation to dive back into those chaotic adventures based on my own experiences. I hope the boys see it as I am sure they will love it if they do getting a laugh out of it.
See you all in June, where I’m sure there’ll be loads of news — and I can tell you how the fun day went!
Love to you all — keep reading and stay creative!
June 2026
Here is the latest from romance HQ its been a busy month!
The big thing this month was the Leominster Festival Family Fun Day on Saturday 13th June. This was a good day I sold two books off the stall and had two more sales from the Tourist Information Centre. It was an experience and I learnt a lot about events stall set up and how to sell my books. There are things I learnt to that worked and didn’t and to improve on for the next event. I did have fun though even if it was a long tiring day. Thanks to all who came to see me and those who showed interest the activity I did for it is still active if anyone wants to do it.
Loads of admin this month (like every month!) to doing all the boring stuff invoices emails etc.
The other big news is I’ve redesigned and updated my emails website business cards socials with new background which is now my Christina James Press brand and identity so instead of being all over the place everything will now match across all. For future events I will also have a banner so you can all find me easier!
Writing wise I have been doing a little on Whispers Of The Welsh Valley and A Forbidden Romance. I also have started a new BTS fan fiction this one a thriller which may have romance I haven’t decided yet. Stay tuned for more fan fics and I will be finishing the Ticketmaster one as well. The one for the BTS members I will also be finishing at some point.
Reading wise I have been getting back into it breaking the reading slump though I am now back in one again the joys of having to many things to do!
See you all next month. Keep on reading and dreaming.
July 2026
Hello fellow romancers! July hasn’t been the busiest month writing‑wise because I’ve been in a show, but behind the scenes a LOT has been happening — especially with my brand relaunch.
Brand Relaunch
The biggest news this month is the full relaunch and redesign of my brand: Christina James Press. I now have a brand‑new website — www.christinajamespress.com — and a new email address: christina@christinajamespress.com.
This means everything is now unified under the Christina James Press identity:
socials
website
email
books
merch
It feels tidy, professional, and so much easier to manage.
New business cards will be arriving next month, and a banner is being designed for future events with the updated background and branding.
Distribution: Amazon & IngramSpark
Amazon and IngramSpark (Gardners) are currently being set up. This will allow me to sell my books directly through Amazon, while IngramSpark will handle worldwide distribution — meaning bookshops across the UK and internationally will be able to order my titles.
Merchandise
I’ve also been brainstorming merch ideas! I’m planning cups, tote bags, hoodies, T‑shirts, character art, and more. Lots of fun ideas forming behind the scenes.
Writing
Writing has been quiet this month due to the show, but I’ve been revisiting my novels and planning where to take each story next. I’m hoping August will be a much more productive writing month.
The BTS fan‑fiction Ticketmaster story is now complete — you can find it on my socials.
Reading
I finished Heartstopper Vol. 6 by Alice Oseman and absolutely loved it. A brilliant end to the series, beautifully done, and definitely one I’ll be rereading.
See you all next month, fellow romancers — keep reading and dreaming those big dreams.
September 2026
Hi step through the door to see what is happening this month at Romance HQ.
Not a lot has been happening as I have had a well earned holiday with my family. It was a good break exactly what I needed to reset and rest. There is something so relaxing and calming about being in nature and being near animals. Some amazing trips to historical places to which sparked the imagination and also maybe I hope future books and maybe film/TV adaptations for my books? Thank you the Peak District!
However a little bit has been going on behind the scenes.
Writing
I have done a bit of writing this month on my K pop novel. Also been looking at Whispers as well.
Some more work has been done on my BTS fan fic thriller to. Which I will share with you all sometime.
I am hoping in the next month a lot more will be done now I am back and refreshed.
Admin
Been catching up on admin filling invoices. On the Amazon and Ingram front it is slow but I am hoping in the next few months I will have books available on Amazon and on Ingram for Gardner to get them worldwide into those all important bookshops for my readers.
To all who have looked at my new website thank you do check it out. Also don’t forget to sign up to my email list!
Merchandise and Freebies
I am hoping (all being well) to get a little more merch out before Christmas! These will be mugs. I have loads of plans for future merchandise so keep looking at socials, my email list and website for updates.
More freebies will also be on the website soon loads of plans there as well.
Reading wise I haven’t read for a while but let me know your book recommendations and anything you would like to see in the future.
Not a lot to say this month but keep reading, dreaming those big dreams and imagining those book boyfriends. I can not wait to share mine with you in the future!