Hello everyone,
I have some genuinely exciting news to share.
I’m thrilled to announce that my story Alice has been selected as part of Redcar & Cleveland Libraries’ 2026 project, Delve Into Twelve — a year-long digital reading experience celebrating local writers and reading for pleasure.
This means you’re invited to follow a story as it unfolds — one chapter at a time.
Starting Wednesday 28th January 2026, the first chapter of Alice will be released digitally via BorrowBox, with a new chapter published on the 28th of every month for the rest of the year.
Twelve chapters. Two women. One secret that won’t stay buried…
📖 About Alice
When Jack vanishes from his bedroom, his mother Laurie is dragged back into the childhood mystery she’s spent decades trying to outrun — a missing girl, a forest that shifts, and the house at the end of Liddell Lane that remembers everything she tried to forget.
To bring her son home, she must go back — and face the truth she was never meant to survive.
This is a story about buried guilt, inherited fear, and what happens when the past refuses to stay quiet.
🔍 What is Delve Into Twelve?
Delve Into Twelve is a library project designed to make reading more accessible and enjoyable:
One short chapter released each month
Ideal for busy readers or anyone easing back into reading
Showcasing local writers and original stories
Completely free through RCBC libraries
It’s about rediscovering reading for pleasure — without pressure, guilt, or unfinished bookmarks.
📱 How to Read Alice on BorrowBox
To be ready for Chapter One on 28th January, here’s what to do now:
Sign up for a free Redcar & Cleveland Library membership
👉 libraries.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
(If you sign up online, a temporary account will be created — you’ll need to visit a library within four weeks to keep it active.)Download the BorrowBox app
Available on iOS, Android, or via your web browser.Log in using your library details
Then search for Delve Into Twelve or Alice when the chapter goes live.
Once you’re set up, you’re ready for the whole year.
📘 A quick note about the cover art:
On BorrowBox, Alice will appear with a simple, colour-based cover (colour to be revealed). All six stories in the project use clean, matching designs so they’re easy to spot, share, and talk about — “the blue one,” “the red one,” and so on.
Here on Substack, I’ve shared the original artwork for Alice with you — something a little more personal, just for subscribers.
🌍 Not in Redcar & Cleveland?
If you don’t have access to BorrowBox through Redcar & Cleveland Libraries, don’t worry — I’m working on alternative ways for you to read along, and I’ll share details very soon.
If this applies to you, keep an eye on this space — or feel free to reply to this email to express interest in reading along. Messages come straight to me, whether you’ve got a question, want to know more about my work, or just want to say hello.
📚 While you’re waiting…
If you’d like something to read in the meantime, you can read the first chapter of my debut novel Lover here.
It’s a perfect way to step into my world while we count down to January 28th.
Thank you, as always, for reading, sharing, and supporting my work. I can’t wait for you to step onto Liddell Lane with me soon.