2025 – Writing Gets Serious
January 2025.
I have been going full steam ahead with writing and creating this magical world. Although I had writer's block in December and struggled a little with inspiration, I am back now, filled with ideas. I started a writing course on BBC Maestro, How to Write a Love Story with Jo Jo Moyes, the bestselling author of Me Before You. It is really helpful and has loads in it. Some things I hadn’t even thought about being a new author! I would recommend doing something like this course; I find it makes you think of stuff you wouldn’t have thought about. Now I’m back at the planning stage, something I wish I had done more of before I started writing, but it is never too late to go back to look at your work so far and make changes and learn, right?!
I have finished a Christmas book, The Very Naughty List by Callie Rose. This was the first book I have read of hers; she has done loads of other books. It was full of spice but also full of romance and fun too. The story and character development were really good. For my first read of 2025, I am going to be reading a book called Dungeons and Dramaby Kristy Boyce. It looks a cute, fun read, and I look forward to reading it, especially as it was a present. Oh yeah, I got loads of books for Christmas and my birthday, including a notebook for my notes for my book. I am so, so grateful for amazing, supportive family and friends and all the thoughtful gifts.
I am enjoying the challenge of writing my first novel, and I am learning as I go. I will keep you updated on how I am doing. Don’t forget to follow me on social media too!
After being ill and being signed off work for two weeks just into the new year, which was horrible. I didn’t do a lot while had a viral bug. I have got back into a writing schedule slowly and finished planning my novel, after realising I had not answered questions that arise later on and needing to add to the characters' backstories. Now I have a full plan, and have written down the plot and have a full timeline. Now I can get back to writing my novel.
I also finished reading Dungeons and Dragons. It was a really sweet romance mixing theatre and d and d together. I think this is an awesome idea; the writing was good, the banter between the characters was sweet, and the story was awesome. Would recommend if you want to read a sweet romance book.
My next book to read is Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce, which looks fun, and I look forward to reading it! I loved this book. It was a really cute read, like the other one of hers. This was d and d games; I loved the story and characters. These books aren’t smutty but are perfect if you want a sweet little romance which is nice to read sometimes; I will be reading these books again.
Now I start book one of the Rockstar series called Dirty Like Me by Jaine Diamond. This one is smutty, but the story looks good.
I have a new writing programme designed mainly for authors in mind called Scrivener. I am using the free trial to see if I like it before I purchase the full version. So far, I am enjoying it. It is making the writing a lot easier, and when it comes to publishing (a long way in the future!) it will help.
February to July 2025
Where has the time gone? It’s been a busy few months. I finished my reading book, Dirty Like Me by Jaine Diamond. I enjoyed it — it was spicy but also a lovely romance. I’ll definitely be getting the rest of the series because I love a rock‑star romance. I also read Nectar Of The Wicked by Ella Fields. It wasn’t my usual genre, as it’s dark fantasy, but I did enjoy it, and book two is now on my ever‑growing TBR list.
I’ve been busy working on my many books. I’ve now bought the full version of Scrivener, and it’s great — a really useful programme. I’d recommend it to any author; it’s helped me so much with my writing.
I’m now reading a K‑Pop book called A World Apart by Kate Alexander, and so far I’m enjoying it.
My novel is coming along well. I now have three books on the go: Whispers Of The Welsh Valley, my Christmas novella Royalty In Dreamland, and a K‑Pop book called A Forbidden Romance. All have their challenges, but I’m enjoying writing them all. I’m also adding to my book of poems as inspiration strikes — most recently I wrote a poem for BTS. I’ll get it published in the future.
I have ideas for future books, but I’ll wait until some of my current ones are done. The mind keeps getting ideas, but three are enough for now!
I finished reading the K‑Pop book and loved it. The author clearly did her research on the industry, and it had me smiling, sad, and kicking my feet. I’ve added book two to my TBR list. My next read is If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich — perfect after a reading slump.
A lot of work is happening behind the scenes with my novels, including research on accents and cultures. I want to be respectful and accurate in my writing.
I’ve also set up my email list for subscribers. I send one email a month filled with exclusives and news not shown anywhere else.
August 2025
I’m aiming to do a lot more writing this month. Last month I was unwell and performing in a show (another passion of mine), so I didn’t get as much done as I’d hoped. Busy, busy bee with a busy life — as we all are.
I’m putting my Christmas novella Royalty In Dreamland on hold for now, as I need more research into accents, dialects, and the time period. It’s been challenging, but I’ll rise to it. One day I’ll share Flo and Marcus’s love story.
My novel Whispers Of The Welsh Valley needs a lot of work and redirection. Some parts just aren’t working for me anymore. Once I have a new plan and know where I want it to go, I’ll start writing again. Logan and Sophia’s story will be shared in the future. I won’t be publishing these books this year, but I’m aiming for next year.
My K‑Pop novel A Forbidden Romance is my focus. I hope to publish it in February 2026 for Valentine’s Day. I’ve had more ideas, so there will be a book two — I can’t fit everything into one book. The accents and dialects are slowly being added, and I’m still enjoying writing this forbidden love story.
I’ve been thinking over Whispers Of The Welsh Valley, and I’ll be returning to it soon. The characters have waited long enough.
My Christmas novella will wait until next year.
My poetry book is almost done— just three more poems to write. Then it will be a complete collection. I just need a title. I’m aiming for a Christmas release. Exciting but scary.
I’m continuing my writing course and doing lots of research, mainly for the K‑Pop book.
September 2025
This month I’ve been focusing on my K‑Pop novel A Forbidden Romance, and I’m enjoying it a lot. I always look forward to writing more.
I’ve been thinking about Whispers Of The Welsh Valley, coming up with new ideas and a new direction. I’m excited to return to Sophia and Logan’s story — they’ve waited long enough.
My poetry book is almost done — just three more poems to write. Then it will be a complete collection. I just need a title. I’m aiming for a Christmas release. Exciting but scary.
I’m continuing my writing course and doing lots of research, mainly for the K‑Pop book.
October 2025
Unfortunately, because of winter colds, illness, and life getting in the way, not much has happened at romance HQ at Christina James Author — damn these bugs! But some progress is happening.
A Forbidden Romance, my K‑Pop novel, is getting there, with accents and dialects being added and lots of new exciting ideas. This will be a two‑book (maybe more!) series depending on where the characters take me. While I write this forbidden romance, I listen to BTS. The original publication date of February 2026 has now changed to Easter, if all goes well.
My novel Whispers Of The Welsh Valley hasn’t had any updates yet, but when inspiration hits, I’ll be diving back into Logan and Sophia’s story. I’m hoping for a 2026 publication, but we’ll see how it goes.
My Christmas novel is one I hope to get back to soon, aiming for Christmas 2026.
My first collection of poetry is almost here! The name is still being decided. The new publication date is early next year — sadly not in time for this Christmas.
I can’t wait to introduce you to these book boyfriends I’ve fallen in love with — and I’m the author! Take care, read loads, and keep those romance dreams alive.
November 2025
After months in a reading slump, I finally broke through it and finished two books.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace — an amazing book, brilliantly written, with great character arcs. Highly recommend. Nate is now added to my book boyfriend list!
If This Gets Outby Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich — perfect if you love gay or queer romances.
Writing‑wise, I’ve started a BTS fan fiction as a creative exercise. I’m thinking of sending it to them as a gift, so I won’t be publishing it.
My K‑Pop novel A Forbidden Romance is making great progress. Tae and Hallie, and Min and Carlie’s romances are developing with all the twists and turns of the K‑Pop industry. I’ve also had a new idea that will give the novel a unique twist — lots of research needed, but I’m excited.
I’ve finally returned to Whispers Of The Welsh Valley! It feels so good to be back with Logan and Sophia. I’ve been listening to country music to get into the mindset of their world. This will be a two‑book series, with book two focusing on Jemma and Fred’s love story, Passion Among The Peaks.
My Christmas novella Royalty In Dreamland is on hold until next year while I rethink parts of the story.
I’ve finished my first poetry collection — 32 poems about love, family, friends, mental health, nature, performing, and more. I hope to publish early next year. Still deciding on the name, but I know you’ll love it.
I’m enjoying other authors’ works, movies, TV shows, and stage shows — all feeding my creativity. Thank you for all your support. Keep your eyes on social media for publishing dates. Love you all.
December 2025
Not much writing this month — it’s been a quiet one as I slowed down for Christmas, New Year, and my birthday. I turned 40! A big milestone full of love and celebration.
I had a lovely Christmas and New Year with family on holiday in Germany — a relaxing, chilled break that I really needed. Now I’m ready for 2026 with new ideas and creativemagic.
My K‑Pop novel A Forbidden Romance is still progressing nicely. I’m hopeful for a 2026 release, aiming for summertime.
My novel Whispers Of The Welsh Valleyis going steady, and I’m enjoying writing it.
My Christmas novella Royalty In Dreamlandhas brand‑new ideas brewing, and I’ll return to it once the other two novels are done.
My first poetry collection is in the next stage of preparation for publication, aiming for February or March 2026. EXCITING NEWS — it now has a title: Heartfelt Poems To Inspire. It sums up the collection perfectly.
I’m also thinking about ways to finance my books, as publishing is expensive. I’m researching options so I can get my stories out to you. I’d also love to create merch and special gifts for book launches — keep an eye on my monthly email and social media for updates.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me from the beginning. And if you’re new — welcome! Here’s to a big year in 2026, when I finally share the work I’ve poured my heart and soul into.
While in Germany, I visited a bookshop (of course!) and picked up some author calendars — they were awesome and funny.
I’ve been reading a lot this month, especially Christmas books, and getting ideas for future novels.
Books I finished this month:
A Heart For Christmas: An Advent Romance by Sophie Jomain — loved the concept of one chapter a day through December.
All We Want For Christmas by Phillipa Ashley — beautifully written with twists I didn’t expect.
Re‑read The Very Naughty Listby Callie Rose — still enjoyable.
My next read is When Worlds Collide by Kate Alexandra — I loved book one,A World Apart, so I’m excited to see what happens next.