My Writing Year 2025
My Writing Year 2025
My Writing Year 2025 is my last blog post of 2025 but will also be my first ever Substack post when I start my new Substack in January 2026.
As well as continuing to review and spread the word on my blog about wonderful books and authors, my aim for 2026 is to post about writing with tips for writers on Substack.
My Writing Year 2025 aims to give a snapshot of what this full-time author gets up to.
January 2025
Writing
I edited my current project, a psychological thriller MISS A. This included working through feedback from writers Fergus Smith, Peter Garrett and Jessie Payne. We’ve been exchanging work since 2013. I find their help most valuable.
I also made tweaks to BEECH AVENUE FIVE before my agent, Laura Heathfield at Greenstone Literary, sent it on submission. We also tweaked the four-line pitch that would accompany the submission.
I provided feedback on a short story by one of my writing exchange buddies.
Sales
I topped up the stocks of my Gloucestershire Crime Series at Gloucestershire Arts and Crafts shop in Westgate Street Gloucester and bought some gifts from the other arts/crafters.
News
I was contacted by the editor of Metropolitan Life to show me they’d featured my Gloucestershire Crime series in the December edition of this police journal. It was a lovely piece and really made my day. A big thank you went to my husband who came up with the idea and pitched the article.
Community Involvement
On 1st January I found myself reading 142 short stories for the Henshaw Press Short Story Competition when the regular First Reader was unavailable. Not a quick or easy job but I managed to select the best 40 to go to the Second Reader.
Later in the month I read the final 20 that had been selected by the Second Reader. I made my choices for the top six. My scores were combined with the other judges’ scores and the winners for the September to December 2024 competition were announced.
Throughout the month, I wrote critiques requested by some of the entrants to the January to March 2025 Henshaw competition. I also wrote bespoke critiques for writers who didn’t enter the competition but wanted feedback on a story.
In mid-January, I attended my first meeting as a judge for the David Vaisey Trust, a charity which funds reading projects in state schools and public libraries in Gloucestershire.
Social/Networking
I continued to network with authors and readers on my blog and on social media. I invited author AJ Aberford to post his Publication Journey on my blog:
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/aj-aberfords-publication-journey
Reviews
I posted my first reviews of the year and shared them on Amazon, GoodReads, BookBub, Twitter, BlueSky, Facebook, Threads and NetGalley as appropriate.
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/my-book-reviews-for-january-2025
February 2025
Writing
Edited MISS A
I read a story by one of my writing exchange buddies and gave written feedback.
Sales
Ian Nicholason, the manager of Alison’s Bookshop in Tewkesbury got in touch to say I was their ‘third best selling crime writer after Anne Cleeves and Elly Griffiths’. I delightedly went to Tewkesbury the next day to sign the new copies of the Gloucestershire Crime series he had ordered.
I topped up the stocks at Gloucestershire Arts and Crafts shop.
Signed new stock at the Arts Café Painswick and took the opportunity to buy a tasty cheese scone and coffee.
Community Involvement
Wrote a short bio and a piece on reading for the David Vaisey website.
Professional Development
Attended a Society of Authors online talk on internet safety.
Social
I continued with the #FrontPageFridays feature on my blog. This is an opportunity for authors to post the first page of their newly published title. There were two guests in February: AA Abbott and Natalie Kleinman.
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-25-1
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-26
Reviews
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/my-book-reviews-part-1-for-february-2025
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/my-book-reviews-part-2-for-february-2025
March 2025
Writing
Did background planning, including character profiles, for the third Gloucestershire Crime novel.
I read some of the academic research Dr Fergus Smith, one of my writing exchange buddies, undertook for his novel, Punching Out.
Reread and updated feedback on a short story by another writing exchange buddy.
News
Received an invitation to have a book signing stand at Severn Area Rescue Association Open Day in June.
Community Involvement
I wrote more critiques on behalf of Henshaw Press.
Professional Development: Attended a creative writing workshop by the University of Gloucestershire Creative Writing Department.
Attended online Society of Authors presentation by publisher Little, Brown.
Social/Networking
I joined a brand-new book club that meets at a café. I’ve tried a few times in the past to join a club but it hasn’t worked for me because I’ve not liked reading a set book (too much like school). However, this club sets a theme and we can read whatever we want that fits the theme and tell the group about it. Our first theme was Under a Warm Sun. My chosen book was Retreat by Lindsay Jamieson and Krysten Ritter, a sizzling psychological thriller set in Puerto Vallarta.
Met authors Anita Faulkner and Nicola Kelsall for coffee.
I hosted more writers on my blog:
Lynda Renham https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/lynda-renhams-publication-journey
Rachael Gray https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-27
I had an audio-guided tour of Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker. It provided a fascinating insight into the Cold War and preparations for a nuclear attack. I might feature this research in a novel one day… if we’re spared…
Reviews
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/my-book-reviews-for-march-2025
April 2025
Writing
A lot of time this month was spent travelling or reading. However, I did enter the Stroud Short Story Competition. Out of 112 entries, I made it to the shortlist of 19 stories but sadly not to the final ten who would go on to read at an event in May. It’s the third time I’ve made the shortlist. Perhaps one day I’ll make the final cut.
Sales
I topped up my stock at Gloucestershire Arts and Crafts shop.
News
Some positive news from my agent: a publisher is interested in BEECH AVENUE FIVE and would like more information about MISS A. I put a synopsis together and provided written answers to her questions.
Community Involvement
I read the best 20 stories in the current Henshaw Short Story Competition and selected my top six for the final judging.
I helped a new writer structure her excellent romcom screenplay as a novel. As I’m not experienced in the genre, I enjoyed reading several RomComs this month to bring myself up to speed.
Professional Development
Attended another online talk from the Society of Authors about online safety.
Social/Networking
Mandy James was my guest on Front Page Fridays https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-28
Reviews
Posted and shared on social media: https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/my-book-reviews-for-april-2025
May 2025
Writing
Chapter planning for HER RISING STAR and wrote eight chapters. I sent these to my writing exchange buddies and worked on their feedback. I also gave feedback to one of them on his writing exercises.
I also provided feedback to a writing exchange buddy on her flash fiction.
News
While on holiday walking along the bank of the River Exe on a sunny afternoon, I received an email. My agent had received a two-book offer and detailed proposal for BEECH AVENUE FIVE.
When I got home, I studied the proposal and gave a detailed response to my agent. We followed this up with a Zoom meeting. Later I had a three-way Zoom meeting with my agent and the potential new publisher.
My current publisher said they are interested in seeing book 3 in my Gloucestershire Crime Series. Yippee.
Community Involvement
I continued to help the new writer with her romcom.
I had the honour of attending a day of plays at the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham. Undergraduates on the Creative Writing BA at the University of Gloucestershire saw their 20-minute plays performed by four professional actors. Afterwards the actors and the audience members, including me, were invited to give the playwrights feedback. The standard was high and I really enjoyed watching all eight plays.
Professional Development
Attended online Society of Authors talk on Coping with Rejection.
Social/Networking
Our book club theme was Equality. I chose A More Perfect Union by Tammye Huf, a powerful story of cruelty, belonging, identity and love.
I had two enjoyable trips to see amateur dramatics - The Elmore Village Players production of comedy/mystery Sinister Synaster by Jilly McNeil, and St John’s Players Churchdown in comedy drama Dead Ringer by Charles Ross.
At Gloucester Folk Museum’s monthly Soup Theatre (short play and soup), I saw a production by Brandywine Theatre Company: Miss Potter’s Tailor’s Tale, a one woman play about Beatrix Potter’s life and writing.
Two authors were guests on my blog:
Julie Anderson https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-29
Madalyn Morgan https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-30
Reviews:
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/my-book-reviews-for-may-2025-part-one
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/my-book-reviews-for-may-2025-part-two
June 2025
Writing
Wrote chapters 9 to 31 of HER RISING STAR.
Sales
Ordered books from my publishers Hobeck Books and HarperCollins to sell at the SARA Open Day.
My agent helped resolve a supply issue with THE ROOMMATES.
The Open Day at the end of the month was a lovely family event on a sunny day. Many visitors kindly bought my books and I was able to give the Severn Area Rescue Association a healthy commission for their charity.
News
Because my new book is moving into darker territory, the new publisher would like me to use a penname to distinguish the work from my previous thrillers and crime fiction. Ideas were discussed and a name, which I like, was chosen.
Community Involvement
Wrote short story critiques for the Henshaw Press.
Attended online meeting for the David Vaisey Trust. With another judge, I also visited two reading projects, one in a public library and one in a secondary school, and wrote up our reports and recommendations.
Professional Development:
Society of Authors online talk on accounting.
Social/Networking
I chose the theme for my book club this month: What a Caper! My book choice was Sue Hincenbergs’s comic crime novel The Retirement Plan about murderous married couples after life insurance payouts. Great fun and very much a caper.
Two authors guested on my blog:
Amanda Brittany https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-31
Brian Price https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/85orb6bc15cs2voyn37yv3jprw0jec
Reviews:
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/twaidojzw82stg7pwvw4mzm3pv5t50
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/my-book-reviews-for-june-2025-part-two
July 2025
Writing
I finished writing HER RISING STAR and began the structural edit. I worked on feedback from one of my writing exchange buddies, Jessie Payne.
I gave feedback on chapters from the latest project by one of my writing exchange buddies.
News
I read through the contract from my new publisher. And signed. Yippee. The publisher sent me the wording of the planned press announcement to agree and to add my quote.
Community Involvement
With other David Vaisey Trust judges, I visited three reading projects, two in public libraries and one in an infants school, and wrote up our reports and recommendations.
Judged the best 20 stories in the current Henshaw Short Story Competition and put my top six scores forward for the final tot up.
Social/Networking
Book Club theme was a little-known book by a well-known author. I selected Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee that was written as an earlier version of To Kill a Mockingbird but was not published until 2015. I found it fascinating to study the books side by side.
A return visit to #FrontPageFridays for Madalyn Morgan https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-33
I got the chance to watch a film in German at a local cinema. Das Lehrerzimmer (The Teachers' Lounge) stars Leonie Benesch as a teacher trying to find the culprit for thefts in school. The camera angles focus closely on Benesch and also on closeups of what her character would see. I enjoyed this visceral, tense performance.
Reviews:
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/4itvv7w7pxebepn2jx2jgr2mht3p2f
August 2025
Writing
Continued to restructure HER RISING STAR. Sent more chapters to Jessie Payne and worked through her feedback.
I received a structural edit for BEECH AVENUE FIVE from my new publisher, which required some research.
I completed my tax return and carried out other writer-related admin.
News
My new publisher showed me the new title and cover for my novel (previously BEECH AVENUE FIVE). I love both! I completed their new author questionnaire to support their planning and marketing.
Community Involvement
I wrote critiques for requesting entrants to the current Henshaw Short Story competition and wrote a bespoke critique for a long story of 10,000 words.
I attended online a meeting of the David Vaisey Trust at which the judges selected projects for this year’s shortlist. Later this month, judges, trustees and project applicants attended the shortlisting announcement in Gloucester.
Professional Development
Attended a Creative writing workshop in the University of Gloucestershire Creative Writing Department.
Social/Networking
The theme for Book Club was Colourful. I was pleased to have the opportunity to sing the praises of Gloucestershire author Anita Faulkner and her romcom A Colourful Country Escape.
I got the chance to watch another film in German at the local cinema. Heldin (‘Heroine’ but renamed Late Shift in the subtitled version) again stars Leonie Benesch, this time as a nurse running a surgical/medical ward on a busy, understaffed night duty. As in Das Lehrerzimmer, the camera angles focus tightlyy on Benesch and also on closeups of what her character would see. Another heart-pounding, visceral performance that felt terrifyingly authentic.
Three authors were guests on my blog:
Cara Clayton https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-34
Maggie Christensen https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-35
Raven McAllan https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/raven-mcallans-publication-journey
Tying into Scottish Higher and A level results and university acceptances, I posted about THE ROOMMATES on social media. It’s a psychological thriller that features four 18-year-old students during freshers’ week.
I contacted a writer pal, Chris Curran, to see if she would like to write the foreword for the new Henshaw Press short story anthology. She said yes and I put her in touch with Rebecca Collins, Hobeck Books publisher who also runs the Henshaw Press competitions. Chris was a perfect match and wrote a wonderful foreword.
Reviews:
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/ofh24g8phfkhlt5jnpq0960nt1b9ik
September 2025
Writing
I worked on the structural edit from my new publisher and wrote a new chapter. I sent the completed structural edit to the publisher.
I worked through feedback notes on HER RISING STAR from my writing exchange buddies, Fergus Smith and Peter Garrett.
Sales
I signed new stock at Alison’s Bookshop in Tewkesbury.
News
My new publisher announced the book deal in Book Brunch and the Bookseller: AN ORDINARY HOUSE by Rae Starling will be published by Hera Books in September 2026. A second title will follow in 2027.
After a recommendation from Ian at Alison’s Bookshop Tewkesbury, the organiser of Evesham’s Festival of Words invited me to be a guest author in October 2026.
Community Involvement
I attended online a meeting of the David Vasiey Trust judges at which we agreed on the winning projects.
Professional Development:
Attended an online Society of Authors presentation on writing radio plays.
Social/Networking
Book club theme was Lies/Lying. I plumped for Unknown the latest title in Heather Critchlow’s Cal Lovett Files. I love this cold case podcaster/sleuth series.
Young Adult thriller writer, Victoria Gemmell, invited me to be interviewed on her blog. I really enjoyed taking part and she asked me some great questions. Interview with a Writer ~ Rachel Sargeant | VICTORIA GEMMELL
I attended the book launch at Waterstones Gloucester for Anita Faulkner’s new romantic comedy, You Had Me At Pumpkin Patch.
Two guest on my blog:
Jennie Bohnet https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/7bqke8ho5e68hb64xlmotz0wis736u
AS Andrejevic https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-37
Reviews
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/my-book-reviews-for-september-2025
October 2025
Writing
Wrote an article for an academic article and worked through feedback from Jessie Payne. Submitted the article to a literary journal but at the end of the month it was rejected. When I get time next year, I’ll rework it and see where else I can send it.
Received feedback on HER RISING STAR from Hobeck Books and worked through the edits.
Edited MISS A.
Worked on ideas for a novel set during World War One.
Sales
Restocked my books at the Gloucestershire Arts and Crafts shop.
Community Involvement:
Wrote short story critiques for Henshaw Press and read and scored the final twenty stories in the current competition.
Attended the David Vaisey Trust Award Ceremony at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.
Wrote my author bio and suggested Q&A for Sue at Evesham Festival of Words.
Professional Development:
Attended online Society of Authors presentation on permissions.
Listened to the BBC short story finalists and young adult finalists.
Attended online Society of Authors presentation about German translators.
Attended online Crime Writers’ Association presentation on what books make good films.
Social/Networking
With the theme of Autumn, I talked about Buckeye by Patrick Ryan at book club. Set in small-town American from the 1940s to the 1970s, it’s gentle yet passionate, epic yet small scale, and brisk yet poignant. And what does it have to do with autumn? Buckeye is the American word for conker.
Met for coffee with thriller writer Stephanie Carty and proofreader Rachel Sargeant (no relation!)
As a birthday treat, we went to Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre. This was a lively production, not heavy on pathos and realism, but unapologetically exuberant and entertaining. We loved it.
We also saw Mary Paige Turner at The Old Vic. Its telling of the life story of an ordinary American woman would make a great piece for A level Theatre Studies, where a class of sixth formers could be allocated a scene each to cut their acting teeth on.
Guests on my blog:
Maureen Myant https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-38
Jennie Ensor https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-39
I attended the book launch for AS Andrejevic’s Under the Same Moon at a bar in Cheltenham.
Reviews
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/my-book-reviews-for-october-2025
November 2025
Writing
Continued chewing over ideas for a World War One novel.
I received the line edit for AN ORDINARY HOUSE from my Hera Books editor Jennie.
Edited a folklore horror novel I often work on between projects. I received feedback on some chapters from Fergus and Peter, which I worked through.
I read the draft of a buddy’s exciting new novel and gave written feedback.
Sales
I topped up my stock at Gloucestershire Arts and Crafts shop.
News
I had a Zoom meeting with my agent to discuss my ideas for a World War One project and to get her editorial feedback on MISS A.
Community Involvement
I wrote short story critiques for Henshaw Press.
Professional Development
I attended the inaugural Creative Writing Festival at the University of Gloucestershire. It was a wonderful, inspiring day and I can’t wait for next year’s event.
Social/Networking
The book club theme was What A Guy. I read Worse Than Murder by Michael Wood, DCI Matilda Darke Book 13. I chose it because Mr Wood has had some 18 bestselling titles published in ten years. What an author, what a guy!
I contacted several author pals to see if they would like to take part in #RaveReads2025 on my blog next month and featured three authors this month on #FrontPageFridays.
AA Abbott https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/qk5vn1y5lel08w7st8ugrop3ei1waj
Brian Price https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/5e1iyez2qgbctptmxztjacwzsxfie6
Katharine Johnson https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/front-page-fridays-week-42
Plus Della Galton’s Writing Journey post, complete with the best author photo ever. https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/della-galtons-writing-journey
I spent a day giving my Twitter account a tidy, removing followers and those I’m following who have stopped using the platform.
I saw St John’s Players Churchdown production of Table Manners by Alan Ayckbourn. It was great fun.
Reviews
I wrote a review for a new feature on Hobeck Books website. I chose The Alibi, a historical psychological thriller by Katharine Johnson.
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/zo6mm4sgxdy0cwd10lcthvs0go8m2z
December 2025
Writing
I delivered the line edit of AN ORDINARY HOUSE to my editor.
I worked through my agent’s feedback on MISS A.
Sent some chapters of MISS A to Jessie Payne and worked through her feedback.
I received and worked through the copy edit of AN ORDINARY HOUSE. One editorial comment highlighted a medical query, which I was able to resolve with a quick email to my writing exchange buddy Peter Garrett, who is a doctor as well as a writer.
I made notes about my World War One novel and, to immerse myself in the genre, I began reading again the excellent Two Storm Wood by Philip Gray.
I delivered the updated copyedit of AN ORDINARY HOUSE to my editor.
Sales
My Gloucestershire Crime Series sold very well at the Gloucestershire Arts and Crafts shop this month so I had to order more stock and top up twice.
Community Involvement
I wrote short story critiques for Henshaw Press.
I provided written feedback on proposed literature about next year’s David Vaisey Trust awards.
Professional Development
Online Society of Authors talk about pensions.
Social/Networking
This month, our book club met for breakfast and we talked about books we’d enjoyed as children. I didn’t read much as a child but one book I read until the pages fell out was Summer with Tommy by Caroline Silver, a true story about a journalist who looks after a wild pony.
I had coffee with author Anita Faulkner and we went to view the exhibition by book binding artist Magalie Briliant Magpie at The Gate Gallery in Westgate Street Gloucester.
Instead of my usual #FrontPageFridays, I invited thirty authors to participate in the #RaveReads2025 feature, which ran during the first two weeks of the month.
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/rave-reads-of-the-year
I won a giveaway on social media: a copy of The Girl in the Doorway by Louise Mangos. I’m reading it now and enjoying it. A review will follow soon.
I saw High Noon at the Harold Pinter Theatre, London. It’s true to the Gary Cooper/Grace Kelly film but seeing it on stage reminded me of Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s The Visit. I saw several similarities: a whole town waiting for a train that might or might not stop; supposedly righteous people not stepping up to support their friend; themes of vengeance and integrity.
Reviews
I posted my top six reads of the year, plus eight more that I really enjoyed.
https://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk/blog/pu8tia5qv7lxfjjb95lagm33r6znzu
I hope you enjoyed reading about My Writing Year 2025. There will be more writing-related posts on my Substack in 2026 and more posts about and by wonderful authors and their books on my blog in 2026.