Some authors become instant favourites. You see their name on a cover and you don’t even need to read the blurb — you just know you’ll pick it up.

In this episode of A Life in Chapters, I’m sharing nine authors I always read, no matter what they publish. From the emotional depth of Maggie O’Farrell to the puzzles of Anthony Horowitz, the comfort of Richard Osman, the atmosphere of Donna Tartt, and more — this is my eclectic list of trusted writers.

Along the way, I’ll talk about the themes that connect them, why we’re drawn to certain authors over and over, and what our “always read” list says about us as readers.

I’d love to know yours, too. You can share your list with me over on Patreon, where there’s a public post waiting for your favourite authors — and if you’d like to go deeper, this month’s Clarity Audio is all about The Power of Small Shifts.

📖 Show notes and transcript: alifeinchapters.com

🎧 Join the discussion and access Clarity Audios, a bookclub and more: patreon.com/alifeinchapters

So many people say, “I’m not creative.” Maybe you’ve said it yourself. But here’s the truth — you’re probably far more creative than you give yourself credit for.

In this episode of A Life in Chapters, I share why creativity isn’t just about art, music, or writing, but about the everyday ways we solve problems, make choices, and express ourselves. You’ll hear stories about hidden creativity, gentle encouragement to notice your own, and journaling prompts to help you see where creativity is already part of your life.

If you’ve ever dismissed yourself as “not the creative type,” this episode is for you.

✨ Journaling Prompts:

• Where in my life do I solve problems in a way that feels like “me”?
• What project or task has given me a sense of satisfaction recently?
• If I broadened my definition of creativity, where would I already see it?

📖 Show notes and more prompts: alifeinchapters.com

🎧 Support the podcast and access monthly Clarity Audios: patreon.com/alifeinchapters

Reading is often thought of as a solitary act — but something magical happens when we share stories with others. In this episode, I’m reflecting on the joy of book clubs, from my early days of studying English Literature at school and college, to the way modern clubs create connection, perspective, and laughter.

✨ In this episode:

• Why book clubs turn private reading into shared discovery
• How different perspectives deepen our understanding of stories
• The timeless role of book clubs in building community
• A few gentle reflection questions to explore your own relationship with reading together

And if you’d like to join a cosy, no-pressure book club of your own, you’re warmly invited into my Patreon community — where we combine seasonal journaling with a shared monthly read. This month, we’re diving into How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin. There’s still time to join us.

Find out more at alifeinchapters.com/patreon

For the full show notes and a transcript, head to alifeinchapters.com/podcast

September always feels like a fresh start — the air shifts, routines reset, and autumn begins to whisper at the edges of our days. In this episode, I’m sharing gentle journaling prompts to help you pause, reflect, and step into the season with clarity.

Whether you’re craving new beginnings, wanting to let go of what no longer serves you, or simply soaking up the beauty of autumn, these prompts will give you a quiet moment to check in with yourself.

✨ In this episode:

• Why September feels like both a doorway and a new chapter
• Four journaling prompts to reflect, release, and begin again
• How this season invites both excitement and grounding

If you’d like more guided journaling and seasonal reflection, you’re always welcome in the Patreon community — where you’ll find my monthly Clarity Audio and our reader’s book club. This month, we’re diving into How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin, and there’s still time to join us.

Find out more at alifeinchapters.com/patreon

Find the full show notes here: alifeinchapters.com/podcast

We all face decisions — some small, some life-changing. And often the hardest part isn’t living with the choice, it’s making it in the first place.

In this episode of A Life in Chapters, I explore how journaling can help us find clarity when we’re at a crossroads. Writing slows the swirl of thoughts, reveals patterns, and makes space to hear what we already know deep down.

I’ll share:
✨ Why decisions can feel so heavy
✨ Simple journaling techniques to untangle confusion
✨ A personal story of how writing helped me choose a path
✨ Gentle prompts to guide your own decision-making

💡 Quick note: These prompts are for personal reflection only and are not a substitute for therapy or professional advice. If you’re facing something overwhelming, please reach out for the right support alongside your journaling.

📖 Show notes: https://alifeinchapters.com

💌 Join our Patreon community: https://patreon.com/alifeinchapters

What kind of legacy do we really leave behind?

In this episode, I share the story of my rabbit Bertie — a mischievous, loveable companion who left his mark on my world in the most unexpected way. His tiny teeth marks on a bookshelf became a reminder of how small moments can carry deep meaning, and how joy itself can be a kind of legacy.

Along the way, I reflect on our need to be remembered, why “small” isn’t really small at all, and how animals and books have always shaped my way of seeing life. I’ll also share some gentle journaling prompts to help you explore the traces you leave behind and the moments that matter most.

✨ Journaling Prompts Included:

• What small traces have loved ones, human or animal, left in your life?
• Where in your own life have you left little signs that you were here?
• If legacy wasn’t about being remembered, but about how you lived today, what would that mean?

If you’re building something small but meaningful, I see you. It matters.

📖 Show notes: https://alifeinchapters.com

💌 Join our Patreon community: https://patreon.com/alifeinchapters

Reading doesn’t have to be about numbers, challenges, or keeping up with everyone else. It can be about rhythm, ritual, and the way books help us mark time.

In this episode of A Life in Chapters, I share my own reading routines — from cosy weekend mornings with a cup of tea to winding down at night with a chapter before sleep. We’ll explore:

• Why a reading routine is more nourishing than a reading goal
• How seasonal shifts shape our book choices
• The pressure of reading challenges and how to release it
• The role of journaling and reflection in deepening our reading life
• A preview of our Patreon book club pick

✨ Show notes: https://alifeinchapters.com/podcast

💫 Join us on Patreon for this month’s Clarity Audio and book club: https://patreon.com/alifeinchapters

If this episode resonates, subscribing or leaving a review helps more people discover the podcast — and it means so much to me personally.

So often, we focus on building a business that works — but forget to ask whether it truly fits the life we want.

In this episode of A Life in Chapters, I share the personal turning point that made me step away from the corporate world, and how loss reshaped my perspective on success. We’ll explore:

• What intentional living looks like in practice
• How to align your income with your values
• Why small, soulful choices matter more than hustle
• How journaling helps you shape a business that fits your life
• The ongoing journey toward long-term dreams (including my house by the sea)

✨ Show notes: https://alifeinchapters.com/podcast

💫 Join us on Patreon for this month’s Clarity Audio and our book club: https://patreon.com/alifeinchapters

If this episode resonates, subscribing or leaving a review helps more people discover the podcast — and it means so much to me personally.