We may only be a few days into 2016, but it’s certainly kicking off with a bang!

Firstly, there’s the 24-hour #YATakeover on Twitter that starts tomorrow, and I’ll be talking Libraries in the Digital Age at 9pm alongside author Alexia Casale, hosted by Mariam Khan. The event involves over 40 hours, talking YA books for 24 hours, covering topics including mental health, LGBT issues, art, gothic fiction, friendship, fantasy and more. You can see the full #YAtakeover schedule here.

The Book of Learning is representing Dublin UNESCO City of Literature as this year’s Citywide Read for Children – and it’s starting to feel very real! Working with the lovely Jackie Lynam and Mercier Press, we’ve planned multiple school events for over 20 Dublin libraries in January, February and March, as well as open events – details to follow. Next week, I’ll be launching the campaign in the beautiful National Library of Ireland – we have the giant plastic rat (no joke), fans for a photoshoot, and a pile of posters and bookmarks all set to go.  I cant believe it’s finally here!

In addition, I’ve been added to the list of authors blogging for the wonderful Girls Heart Books blog, which is a real honour. Watch out for my slot on the 22nd of each month.

As for writing news, Caramel Hearts is due for publication in March, and I’ve just reached over half way with my structural edits for the second in the Nine Lives Trilogy – The Book of Shadows, so it’s all systems go.

It’s a really exciting start to the year- just the way I like it! Even though I don’t do New Year’s resolutions – I think we should constantly evaluate and adapt – January is a month of beginnings, and this feels like the perfect way to start out. I had a lot to learn last year as a first-time published author, and I’m looking forward to building on that in 2016. I can’t wait to see what happens as the year goes on!

I hope you’re off to a good start too 🙂