The Writer’s Diary: Momentum, Milestones, and Memory Letters

Writing, writing, just keep writing

If the last update was about the "calm before the storm," this one is very much about the storm itself. It’s been a fortnight of shifting gears—from the excitement of a new release to the deep-dive intensity of a fresh manuscript in the pond.

The Concorda Files Takes Flight

Since my last post, The Concorda Files has officially landed on Kindle and KU. I’m thrilled to say I’ve already seen my first few sales! There is a unique kind of joy in seeing those first numbers tick up on the dashboard after all the work that went into the release.

Even more exciting was the reaction on social media. A member of my favourite writing podcast, The Failing Writers, picked up a copy and shared some very kind words on Threads to confirm his satisfaction. Knowing that a fellow writer, and one from a show I enjoy so much, genuinely liked the story has been a massive boost.

ONC 2026: Enter "Memory Letters"

The Open Novella Contest started with a bang, and I haven’t slowed down since. My entry for this year is a claustrophobic techno-thriller set right here in the UK titled Memory Letters.

Here is the hook:

Two years after burying her husband, Jane Newton finds a hidden file that proves she didn't bury the truth—she buried a stranger. 

I’ve already completed the first six chapters and am currently sitting at over 11,900 words. The goal for the contest is a minimum of 20,000 words, but based on my current average of about 2k per chapter, I’m on track to hit around 30,000 words. I’m feeling really good about the pacing; the story has a natural flow and that tight, tense atmosphere I was aiming for.

• Where to read: Chapters 1 and 2 of Memory Letters are officially live on Wattpad.
• Round 1 Status: I’ll be submitting my entry for the first round very soon. Chapter 1 alone meets the 2,000-word requirement for this stage, so I’m heading into the deadline with plenty of breathing room.

Into the Deep End

With The Concorda Files out in the world and Jane Newton's story well underway, my "Writer’s Brain" is currently a very busy place. It’s a bit of a juggling act, but the momentum is carrying me through.

Are you following along with any ONC entries this year? If you’ve had a chance to check out the start of Memory Letters, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Launch Days, Fresh Covers, and Contest Fever

 

The Writer’s Diary

​If you’re reading this on the day of posting—Monday, 2nd February—then, all being well with KDP release schedules, it is officially a "celebratory brew" day in the pond. We’ve reached a major milestone for a past project just as the starting gun fires for the next one.

​Here is what’s happening in my writing world this week.

​The Concorda Files is Live on Kindle!

​I am incredibly chuffed to announce that The Concorda Files is officially available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.

​This story started its life as my 2025 Open Novella Contest entry on Wattpad, where it fought its way onto the shortlist! Moving it from a web-serial to a formal ebook release has been a major goal of mine since reaching the shortlist.  Seeing it finally ‘out there’ in the wild is a fantastic feeling.

​To celebrate the launch, I’ve given the book a total visual overhaul. I’ve updated the cover and moved away from the original light-coloured aesthetic in favour of a gritty, high-contrast look that fits current sci-fi thriller trends. It feels much more aligned with the tone of the story now.

​If you want a taste, I’ve updated the Wattpad version to include the new cover I've created and a one-chapter preview to give new readers a glimpse into the world.

​The ONC 2026: Choosing the Next Path

​The 2026 Open Novella Contest officially kicked off yesterday, and I have spent the last 24 hours mulling over the prompts. This will be my sixth year. 

​I’m entering this time around with a bit of a 'choose your own adventure' mindset. I have six potential stories currently vying for my attention. It’s a bit of a creative standoff between concepts like "Population 842" (a rogue space station AI story) and an urban fantasy set in modern-day Manchester that currently has the working title of "The Tenth Circle."

​The final decision depends entirely on which prompt speaks the loudest. I have a rough map for a Sci-Fi Crime Thriller and a solar-system-spanning 'HFY' epic, but I’m leaving room for the prompts to surprise me. Sometimes the best stories come from the ideas you didn't see coming.

​Pausing the Veil

​To give the ONC my full focus, I’ve made the difficult decision to pause work on "Sanctorum’s Veil." I’ve left the story sitting at Chapter 12—just over 15,000 words in. It’s currently at a bit of a cliffhanger, and leaving my characters in the lurch is tough, but I’ll be returning to it with fresh eyes once the ONC madness has settled.

​Over to You

​Are you participating in the ONC this year? Whether you’re writing or reading, I’d love to know which prompts are jumping out at you. Drop a comment below and let’s talk shop!