Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape. There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone. I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha. I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then. When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time. I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.

Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: The Familiar Stranger

Published October 2, 2026 | By Laura

Welcome to Fiction Friday, our weekly flash fiction challenge.

Here’s how it works:

Set a timer for five minutes and start writing

Keep going for as long as you can once the timer goes off

No editing allowed—raw writing only

When you’re finished, feel free to share in the comments (but there’s no pressure.)

Today’s prompt – The Familiar Stranger.

Your character is at a crowded coffee shop, grocery store, or public place when someone stops and talks to them like they have known them for years.

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Cover Reveal: Dreaming Of A Scottish Summer by Julie Shackman

Published October 1, 2026 | By Laura

Novel Kicks are helping to reveal the cover for Dreaming Of A Scottish Summer, the upcoming novel by Julie Shackman and book 12 in the Scottish Escapes series.

Brooke never intended to return to her native Scotland. That is until she’s offered a job with legendary literary agent, Levi Hudson, who just happens to represent her favourite author, Petra Swan.

Petra’s books helped her find hope again after her heart was broken, and Brooke will do anything to meet her. Even if it means working with the formidable Levi.

Not only is he grumpy, he’s also infuriatingly handsome. Yet as his frosty exterior slowly begins to melt, Brooke realises that moving back to the highlands might be the best decision she’s ever made…

I do love a good cover reveal and this is no exception. So, now we know a bit about Dreaming Of A Scottish Summer, it’s time to see the cover. Are you ready?

Drumroll…3…2…1…

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Book Extract: Feel-Good Stories by Sarah Swatridge

Published October 1, 2026 | By Laura

I’m so excited as we welcome Sarah Swatridge to Novel Kicks and the Birthday Blitz tour for her book, Feel-Good Stories.

An eclectic mix of heart-warming stories, full of memorable, quirky characters.

Read about the heroic postie, the eccentric duke, a spoilt parrot, a true friend and a determined would-be husband.

Perfect bite-sized reading with your favourite drink.

There is a chance to win a paperback copy of Sarah’s book, An Honourable Wager but first, she has shared an extract from Feel-Good Stories. We hope you enjoy.

beginning of extract

Beside the Seaside – set in 1920. Great if you love costume dramas on TV, this is ‘Downton’ rather than ‘Bridgerton’. Good if you love to curl up with an historical novel but just don’t have the time. Here’s a short historical story to whisk you back to a simpler time.

Britain 1920

“My goodness Enid, you are chipper this morning,” his Lordship said. He was reading his newspaper in the library while Enid was clearing the grate.

“Shall I come back later Sir?” she asked.

“No, that’s not necessary, you carry on.” He seemed somewhat flustered. “But please refrain from singing.”

“Sorry Sir, I had no idea I was doing it.” Enid did a little curtsey and returned to her chores.

After only a few minutes, he folded his newspaper, sat back and crossed his legs.

“Come here Enid,” he said.

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Novel Kicks Book Club: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Published October 1, 2026 | By Laura

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

Hello October.

I will always have a soft spot for October. OK, i’m a little bias as it’s my birthday month but I adore the changing colours of the leaves, the build up to Halloween (I blame a Canadian in my life for my love of this holiday. I am very much a Christmas girl normally. Haha). October gives me the perfect excuse for a comfortable blanket, a hot chocolate and a book.

As you would have already seen from the title, this month’s book pick is Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

The quote above is from this novel and I’m ashamed to say, it’s a novel I have never read. This month, I want to change that and I hope you’ll also join me.

As usual, anyone can join, whether you’ve already read the novel or will be reading along with me. I have placed a question in the comments below to kick off the discussion. I really hope to see you there.

*****

About Anne of Green Gables –

Anne Shirley is an eleven-year-old orphan who has hung on determinedly to an optimistic spirit and a wildly creative imagination through her early deprivations.

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Novel Kicks Writing Room: The Sensory Snapshot

Published September 30, 2026 | By Laura

Hello and welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

Today’s exercise is called The Sensory Snapshot.

This exercise will hopefully help you create vivid, immersive descriptions without complex plotting.

First, choose your moment –

Pick a simple, everyday moment you remember well. Keep it as small and ordinary as you can. It doesn’t have to be interesting, just write whatever comes to mind. For example,

Sitting in a café
Walking into your bedroom
Standing at a bus stop
Eating your favourite snack
Waiting in a doctor’s office
Playing with a pet

Now, before writing anything else, think about the following questions (you don’t have to answer all of them, just what you remember) –

What did you see? (colours, what was happening)
What sounds did you hear?
What did it smell like?
How did things feel? (hot, cold, soft, scratchy)
Was there anything you tasted?

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