2025 in Review
And What's Next?
Another year is drawing to a close, and we all reflect on what we’ve done.
This header photo was actually taken on my birthday this year, in a rather splendid spa hotel btw. That started the year off nicely.
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the negative. We Brits are arguably conditioned to do so. “Bragging is distasteful!” But one should celebrate successes, especially the little wins - they add up!
Book wise, it’s all been very medieval. I usually average one book per year, so releasing three in 2025 is no small feat for me, and is its own massive achievement. But it has taken a lot out of me, along with yet more illnesses - I’m exhausted!
I’ve sold around 500 copies this year. To some, this isn’t much, but to others it’s a dream - it’s all about perspective. There have been some incredible reviews. I’m still blown away that Archbishop Jonathan Blake called Love Habit a, “Brave, bold and visionary celebration of gay love.” And I still chuckle that readers seemed to most appreciate the section on swearing in An Author’s Research Notes on Medieval England.
My books have hit the top few books across various categories and countries as a ‘hot new release’.
Om 3rd April 2025, I joined the Substack community here. From 0 to 51 subscribers and 144 followers in 8 months is amazing to me. Thank you so much. I often wonder how interesting I am - I feel boring. But I think I’ve found my tribe here. Honestly, thank you - I can’t begin to describe how much this means to me.
Hubby and I visited some gorgeous places. Standing on the king’s balcony (still giggle at king’s landing vibe), at Corfe Castle was a real highlight this year - so few people have stood here and it’s a temporary treat there whilst they work on preservation of the walls.
We met up with Hubby’s cousins (who live abroad) in Kew Gardens which was a lovely day.
Sherborne Abbey was another special moment. The whole town in Dorset has beautiful medieval vibes. But the abbey was founded by St. Aldhelm in AD 705 - it was a Saxon cathedral and Benedictine abbey before becoming a Church of England parish church in 1539 (after the Dissolution). It’s full of history which you can just feel. Visually, it’s stunning, properly awe-inspiring.
My best friend, her sister and I visited The Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum up in London. It was my first time at the natural history one, and it was incredible - so many animals. And I always love that enormous variety at the V&A.
Hubby and I wandered around the Medieval Merchant’s House in Southampton, which felt like a real glimpse into a ‘normal’ home of the time. He was clearly wealthy, but not of the nobility.
And Athelhampton House did a marvellous job of showcasing its history, covering a few ages. The gardens are glorious as well. It’s where I saw a close stool.
Inspiration has been gained from every place I’ve seen and enjoyed. I consider myself immensely lucky to be able to visit these places.
Then there are the many great books I’ve read this year. This image features the ones I showcased on my blog (https://tlclarkauthor.blogspot.com/) - this means I’d truly recommend them to a friend. Please do check over there if you ever need a book recommendation; my tastes are eclectic.
I always enjoy Saffron Amatti’s books (The Lucas Rathbone Mysteries) - 1920s cosy sleuths, one of whom can reluctantly see and hear ghosts whose murders he and Clara must solve.
The Black Madonna by Stella Riley was one of my favourites; a fully immersive read which takes you through the English Civil War, but including a sexy Italian dodgy guy.
The Alewives by Elizabeth R Anderson also deserves a special mention. It’s unique. There is a murder mystery but featuring peasant women of the medieval village (Colmar, Alsace in the year 1353) - their camaraderie is the main focus.
Oh, dear - it’s all a bit murdery, isn’t it? :-/
There were lovely romances too.
Phew, what a busy year!
But this author never stops. My next phase is continuing my reading and research on the interregnum - a truly tumultuous time. I suspect that will take most of the year. I will document my progress here. I’m not expecting to release it next year, but you never know - once I get going maybe the book will come together quickly?
What are you most proud of this year?
And what do you hope to achieve in 2026?
I’m going to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Always in love and light,
TL