First off, how are you and how is your 2021 going?

I’m fine, thank you! My 2021 has been good so far. I wrote a novella, called Blind Spot, which will be published as part of The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads programme next year, and I had final copy edits to do on A Slow Fire Burning, which was published in August. Since the summer I’ve been doing publicity for the book – mostly online, but I’ve also been to a few festivals, so things are starting to feel a little more normal.

Can you tell us about your new book A Slow Fire Burning?

What was the process like for writing it after your initial idea?

The book started with me thinking about a particular character – a young woman called Laura, who suffers from a condition called disinhibition – but Laura was a character without a story. The challenge for me was finding the right story to tell. Once I had that, the writing process itself was very enjoyable (mostly).

It must have been incredible to see The Girl On The Train reach such incredible success so quickly, how did you adapt to the popularity of the novel?

It was exciting and quite bewildering; more a series of small moments than one grand realisation, so I think I adapted slowly, step by step. It took a while for me to realise quite how big the novel had become, and to appreciate what that would mean for me.

Did you find yourself ever suffering with imposter syndrome when writing after that success?

Yes. If you have a success on that kind of scale, I think it is natural to feel that it is in some sense undeserved, or that one has been disproportionately rewarded for one’s efforts! But that is the nature of this sort of work, criticism and praise are subjective, earnings are not neatly related to hours worked – I had plenty of experience of being completely ignored before I found success.

How do you think growing up in Zimbabwe has affected your writing style or perspective?

What have some of your favourite reads been this year?

Mrs Death Misses Death by Salena Godden, Lean Fall Stand by Jon McGregor, No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood, The Turnout by Megan Abbott, Dream Girl by Laura Lippmann, Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason, The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak, Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch by Rivka Galchen. In terms of non-fiction, I loved Real Estate by Deborah Levy and The Devil You Know by Gwen Adshead and Eileen Horne.

What do you wish you could tell your younger self?

Work will save you!

What are you currently working on?

I haven’t started a new book yet, I’m in that in between phase, where I walk around a lot, thinking about the characters I want to write next, trying to figure out the story they belong in.

What does your perfect weekend look like?

That varies, but at the moment I’d probably say, dinner with friends Friday night, trip to the beach on Saturday, long walk and late pub lunch (possibly sliding slowly into dinner) on Sunday. In short, lots of food and fresh air and good company.

What do you always carry with you?

Phone, keys, sunglasses, lip balm and a book.

What would your last ever meal be?

Tricky. Maybe a ribeye with chips, maybe the perfect Cacio e Pepe? Quite possibly a really good spicy lamb chop.

What is one positive piece of advice you could give to our audience?

Make your own money, try to save a little, keep your finances firmly under your own control. You never know when you might want to pack a bag and leave. 

Keep up with Paula Hawkins on Instagram here!

Leandra Medine Cohen of Man Repeller (RIP) called and she wants her balaclava back. 2021’s hottest winter (oxymoron of the year) accessory has entered the building and it’s a marmite one to say the least. In mainstream approved company alongside beanies, baseball caps and bucket hats, the balaclava is a pandemic’s accessory dream, covering the mouth (and in some cases nose too) to create the ultimate cosy must-have to chuck in your tote bag throughout the next few months. American outdoor store REI reported a 40% year-on-year spike in sales of this controversial accessory in 2020 alone, proving it’s one to add to basket ASAP if you want to be ahead of the game in adopting this trend for winter.

Conceal greasy hair and one-too-many-wines induced breakouts, all whilst remaining 10/10 snug waiting for the bus, and thank us later when you can laugh in the face of your cold and fashun doubtful pals…

*This post contains ad-affiliate links

You’ve probably never stopped to think about what that creepy guy wielding a chainsaw chasing you down a dimly lit hallway does to get into the spirit of things, or pondered the fact that he’s just a regular guy in a costume, trying to make you pee yourself a little bit for a living. Funny how logic leaves your body when you’re in the middle of a zombie apocalypse or attempting to outrun an evil clown with a particularly speedy PB.

Scaring the bejesus out of someone for work is an intriguing career move and there’s a heck of a lot more to it than saying boo on cue. So, what exactly does it take to be professionally terrifying?

From learning how to scream properly to terrorising an audience and getting into character before a shift, we caught up with a pro scarer from Tulleys Farm to find out what it’s like to scare people for a living…

What qualifications or experience do you need to be a professional scarer?

None at all! Just lots of enthusiasm! I had full training provided by Scream Park Entertainments.

What’s the audition process like?

It’s a 2 stage audition process. The first stage is a fun 2 hour physical and vocal workshop. Playing lots of games, doing exercises and learning the basics of scare! If successful in the first round you are invited back to the second round – SCREAM TRAINING! A full day of workshops, where they teach you everything you need to know about Character & Scare techniques, as well as how to look after yourself during the run.

What does a typical shift at work look like for you, if that exists?

I have to arrive at Tulleys an hour before the mazes open to get into costume and makeup, and then we all have a full team physical and vocal warm-up before we start scaring! I get given zones to work in the maze but I’ll generally work in all areas of the attraction over the course of the night. I have at least 2 half an hour breaks in the shift where I go back to the dressing room. My shift finishes at 11.30 pm and then I get out of costume and makeup and go home.

What’s your favourite character to play?

This is my third season at Tulleys and so I have been lucky enough to play lots! I LOVE THEM ALL! But being a Swing actor means you get a chance to work in all the mazes, which is mental!

What’s been your best / most extreme scare reaction to date?

A code yellow! (someone wet themselves!) Haha!

It must be a very demanding role, both physically and mentally, especially for the voice. How do you prepare for each performance and what’s it like interacting with an audience?

YES! Scream Park Entertainment prepare us for this lot, right from the auditions. We are taught how to harness our voices and our energy throughout the night/season. Lots of fun warmups and exercises! Keeping hydrated throughout the shift and EATING WELL!! It is the most physically and mentally demanding job I have ever done, but also the most fun!

What are the risks of the job? Have you ever had any hairy experiences?

Sometimes the customers are not very nice. We get called all sorts!! But it’s only them reacting to me making them jump. You do have to have a pretty thick skin sometimes. But we’re also given lots of training and support to manage any difficult customers. #OneTeamOneScream

Do you end up losing your voice a lot as part and parcel of the job, or is there a secret technique you use for screaming and making scary noises?

We are taught by Scream Park how to make scary noises without using our vocal cords, but still having a great effect! As long as you look after yourself and always warm up before your shift, you won’t lose your voice.

How do you typically get into character ahead of a shift, or is it a case of costume on, makeup on, BOOM, you’re in scare mode?

Costume and makeup do help. But in rehearsals, we are given lots of info about the maze and the characters within, and then they workshop the characters with us so we know exactly what to do. The warmup before we start is always fun and really gets us into the zone!

For any aspiring actors and scarers, what should they know about the reality of the job, the good, the bad and the ugly?

It’s tiring! It’s sometimes cold and wet! Very physically, vocally and mentally demanding, but It’s all worth it! It’s so much fun and I’ve made lifelong friends and look forward to it every year. The best job in the world.

What’s your top tip for scaring the living daylights out of people?

Build the suspense, choose your moment carefully, then IMPACT!

Have you got a stand-out performance you’re particularly proud of?

I don’t think so. I’ve had some great reactions in my time that still stay with me. That code yellow will be with me my whole life!

What’s sort of reaction do people have when you tell them what you do for work? It’s not your average 9-5 is it!

Usually, they say “that’s sooooooo coooool!!” Most of my friends are now doing it with me and some people just think I’m MAD!

Where’s your favourite place to haunt? (haunted house, scare maze?)

Anywhere at Tulleys!

What does it take to scare you? Or are you pretty much desensitised to pranks and scare tactics now?

The unexpected! If I go to a scare attraction, I’m quite hardened to it now, but still love it. It’s the rest of the time, I can be quite a scaredy cat!

Grab your tickets for Shocktober Fest at Tulleys Farm here!

It’s cuffing season ladies and gentlemen, and you know what that means? Your date night plans are about to increase tenfold. The search for a winter significant other is ON, with hot girl summer behind us and the need for a Netflix and Christmas market partner growing in urgency by the day, it’s time to redownload the apps you love to hate and get your false lashes ready to flutter across the bar.

In all seriousness, we love a date night, whether it be with a long term partner or someone new and mysterious, the chance to have one on one chats, giggles and a cheeky kiss (or more, oi oi) at the end of the night is always a fun way to spice up the week. No matter your love language, a date night with the right person has the power to set the butterflies, fireworks and every other figurative exciting feeling off for days to come, and we couldn’t be more here for it.

So, put your best heeled-boot foot forward and let’s lockdown those lovers in time for a guaranteed New Year’s Eve smooch.

Maddie

Hold the phone, I’m actually having a date night this week, my husband and I are going to see the new 007 movie and I cannot wait! Given it’s quite a low key date I’ll probably stick to the old faithful; jeans, boots, a nice top and jacket but the idea of not having to wear a breastfeeding-friendly bra and not having baby food all over me gives me the most joy of all.

*Marks and Spencer, ROSIE Underwired Balcony, £28 | *ASOS, Topshop Editor straight leg jeans in bleach wash, £49 | *& Other Stories, Ribbed Wrap Top, £35 | *Whistles, JERSEY BOYFRIEND BLAZER, £89 | *ASOS, schuh Charlotte mid heeled ankle boot in black, £35

Danielle

The best date night outfits start with matching lingerie, something I usually don’t tend to bother with but it does make me feel that extra bit sexy. Then I’ve gone for this sleek black midi dress that for some reason is giving me major Elle Woods at a funeral vibe. The statement boots need no introduction, they’re Twiggy in boot form and I love them. Gold accessories to finish it off!

*ASOS, Figleaves Pulse eyelash lace lingerie set in lime, £42 | *ASOS, ASOS DESIGN 70s drape front wrap midi dress in black, £38 | *ASOS, Monki checkerboard knee high boots, £60 | *Astrid & Miyu, Ripple T-Bar Chunky Necklace in Gold, £75 | *Astrid & Miyu, Ripple Hoops in Gold, £69

Darcey

For my date night look, I’ve gone for cocktails at a fancy bar kinda vibe. You can never go wrong with a pair of leather-look trousers and that’s a FACT, paired with this really cute cross body top from Mango in lime green and some white accessories!

*Mango, Leather effect high waist pant, £49.99 | *Mango, Ribbon cross-body top, £29.99 | *ASOS, Wide Fit Hattie sandals, £20 | JW PEI, Joy Bag – White, £89

Charlotte

The chances of me going on a date would be a fine thing BUT we move, haha. I love getting dressed up for a little evening of drinks or a nice meal and this outfit is one I’d feel super comfortable in but still feels quite dressy and sexy! Warehouse has got some amazing pieces at the moment, including this mesh top which has inspired a blue look with some matching accessories- something a bit different than my normal colour palette but one I really want to rock IRL! Add a little heeled boot and boom, an autumn date night dream!

*Warehouse, Printed Mesh Funnel Neck Top, £25 | H&M, Wide twill trousers, £12.99 | *Nasty Gal, Croc Square Toe Heeled Ankle Boots, £49 | *Ego, HARLIN STUDDED SHOULDER BAG IN BLUE FAUX LEATHER, £59.99

Lareese

All black is always a vibe for date night. Sleek, classy and timeless! I know I’ll get the wear out of this Warehouse suit, both as a two-piece and as separates, which is always a bonus for cost per wear ya know. I’ll stick to the noir theme and finish off the lewk with strappy black heels and a slouchy bag.

Zara, LEATHER SHOULDER BAG, £79.99 | *Warehouse, Premium Crepe Wide Leg Trouser, £79 | *Warehouse, Premium Crepe Long Line Blazer, £109 | *Cos, STRAPPY HEELED SANDALS, £125

Holly

What date night and outfit combo can beat Jeans and a nice top at a vibey but chilled pub. I will quite literally always opt for high waisted blue jeans with a black top and black boots. Gold accessories and bright red lipstick with a red bag. Comfy and casual but can tell I’ve put a bit of effort in. Not sure if this counts as a part of the ‘look’ but you’ll probably see me with a few tequila’s in hand too.

*Levi’s, HIGH WAISTED TAPER FIT JEANS (PLUS), £60 | *ASOS, COLLUSION ribbed cardigan in black, £10 | Skinny Dip, Liars & Lovers Simple Twisted Hoop Earring, £10 | Estella Bartlett, Chunky Rope Link Necklace, £60 | Zara, QUILTED SHOULDER BAG WITH CHAIN, £25.99

Shop the post

*This post contains ad-affiliate links

First off, how are you and how is your 2021 going?

I think like most people it’s had its ups and downs. It’s lovely getting back to work and seeing friends – but part of me is a real homebody, so not so secretly, I did enjoy a bit of lockdown on my sofa under a duvet!

Can you tell us about your career so far, and what inspired you to write and curate Instructions For A Teenage Armageddon?

I’m an actor and writer by trade, but always play teenage girls, so spend a lot of time in their headspace – as weird as that sounds! I’m an ambassador for an amazing teenage mental health charity called Stem4, so I see first-hand the difficulties young girls are going through. 1 in 4 teenage girls in the UK and US self-harm, and have low self-esteem, this statistic really shocked me and was the catalyst to try and write something that might help young girls feel empowered.

Can you talk us through some of the topics in the book?

I wanted the topics to cover all aspects of being a young woman, an all-encompassing guide – so topics include everything from consent, boundaries, mental health, skincare, style, stress, friendships, peer pressure, periods, activism, and more. It also has sections that include active tips to help young women, and kick-ass profiles of women that everyone should know about.

What was the process like for selecting the women who penned the letters for the book?

I’m lucky that a couple of the wonderful women are friends or people I’ve worked with before, who I called upon first and said ‘what do you think about this idea I’m doing, tell me if this is silly and a pipe dream’ to which no one said it was thankfully! Then everyone else were women who I really look up to. Be it through their work, their activism, and just being a generally brilliant woman. We wanted it to be as inclusive as possible, and we also have some real experts in their fields dispensing advice.

Why do you think it’s so important that young women understand their worth earlier on in life?

Because it feeds into everything you do as you grow. Every choice and decision you make. You don’t even realise it, but your worth and how you feel about yourself dictates everything in life. I have really low self-esteem and looking back, there are situations where I should have asked for more but felt I didn’t deserve it. Or stood up for myself but was too scared to. We need our girls from a young age feeling empowered and like they can do anything.

What do you hope are the main takeaways after reading the book?

I hope that readers feel that they’re going to be okay. That they’re going to get through whatever they may be going through and whatever life throws at them. That they have the power to do whatever they want in life, and can achieve anything.

How will you be advocating and celebrating International Day of the Girl on Monday 11th October?

By launching the Teenage Armageddon website and Instagram (@teenagearmageddon)! We have lots of amazing empowering content, advice and stories of incredible girls to share. And we want to shout as loudly as we can about how brilliant girls are.

How do you juggle each aspect of your career, and decide when you should be writing/performing/acting?

I probably should buy a diary – I often forget what I’m meant to be doing! But usually, everything fits around my acting commitments and writing really feeds into acting I’ve found. It’s all story-telling of some sort. I think if you do multiple things it’s important to give each of them enough energy and time. But usually, other people tell me what, where and when – it’s a bit like being a permanent child!

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently shooting a movie which is a musical biopic, playing a very iconic entertainer – I can’t say who it is just yet!

What does your perfect weekend look like?

Now that I’m older, I love an overnight stay away. My favourite I’ve done was Lucknam Park near Bath. So probably a trip there, with afternoon tea and then a swim in the spa and a lovely quiet dinner. Alternatively, a trip to Paris – Paris is always a good idea!

What do you always carry with you?

I sadly don’t even own a handbag. So the obvious answer is my phone. And worry. I wish I didn’t but I worry about everything.

What would your last ever meal be?

All. The . Pasta. Probably Spaghetti Bolognese and garlic bread. I want to personally thank whoever invented garlic bread. Especially with cheese. And then Ben & Jerry’s phish food!

What is one positive piece of advice you could give to our audience?

What is for you, won’t go by you. Your journey is your own, and you have to try and enjoy it. Otherwise, what’s the point in life if not to have fun?

Cancelling social plans for winter? Groundbreaking.

When it’s dark at 4pm and once again, you find yourself trying to tolerate eggnog, that’s your cue to embrace the joy of missing out, fire up the Kindle and demonstrate just how unbelievably good you are at doing nothing.

There’s a bunch of iconic protagonists defrosting as we speak, so add these books to your basket asap and tell your pals that if it’s not pjs, mulled wine and tear-jerking acknowledgements, you don’t want it. With a reading list like this, how could they possibly be mad?

First up, Paula Hawkins is back to make October a spooktacular affair with her brand new thriller, A Slow Fire Burning, then there’s a feel-good festive romance from Mandy Baggot to get you in the Christmas spirit and for December, we’ve got the second instalment of The Magpie Society series to keep you entertained during those lazy hazy Betwixtmas days.

See what we mean? It’s the trio of jomo dreams. If you need any further persuasion to read along with us, keep scrolling for the juicy blurbs.

October – A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins

After four years since her last novel, the author behind the global phenomenon The Girl on the Train is back with her highly anticipated new thriller. A Slow Fire Burning explores the way no tragedy happens in isolation. Expect a dark plot, intensely believable, human characters and explosive gasp out loud twists.

‘What is wrong with you?’

Laura has spent most of her life being judged. She’s seen as hot-tempered, troubled, a loner. Some even call her dangerous.

Miriam knows that just because Laura is witnessed leaving the scene of a horrific murder with blood on her clothes, that doesn’t mean she’s a killer. Bitter experience has taught her how easy it is to get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Carla is reeling from the brutal murder of her nephew. She trusts no one: good people are capable of terrible deeds. But how far will she go to find peace?

Innocent or guilty, everyone is damaged. Some are damaged enough to kill.

Look what you started.

November – One New York Christmas by Mandy Baggot

All we want for Christmas is a reading marathon, punctuated with a box of mince pies. Enter Mandy Baggot’s love letter to New York, a cosy romance guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit and have you feeling like you’ve seen the city sights with your very own eyes. Yep, the descriptions of The Big Apple are that good.

Will this Christmas romance be just for the holidays?

Lara Weeks is heading to New York with best friend Susie for the Christmas trip of a lifetime.

A festive break in the snowy Big Apple visiting the tourist hotspots, not to mention the shopping, seems like the perfect way for Lara to get over her ex-boyfriend. Or maybe make him so jealous he begs for a second chance.

Enlisting the help of gorgeous actor, Seth Hunt, doesn’t quite go to plan, but there’s something about him that has Lara wishing for a different kind of happy ever after…

December – The Magpie Society: Two for Joy by Zoe Sugg and Amy McCulloch

After one hell of a cliff-hanger in One For Sorrow, the chilling conclusion to the number one bestselling series The Magpie Society is finally here.

A deadly disappearance
A race against time
And, at the eleventh hour . . .
A shocking revelation

Audrey and Ivy, determined to bring their fellow student Lola Radcliffe’s killer to justice, find themselves in the middle of another mystery when a friend disappears in suspicious circumstances.

Their only clue is a mysterious card left by the enigmatic Magpie Society. With time running out and the police baffled, Audrey and Ivy must delve deeper than ever into the dark secrets that their school is hiding.

But someone is playing a deadly game. And to beat them, Audrey and Ivy have to start rewriting the rules…

Sigh- summer is fin, our socialising battery is running seriously low, and as the weather cools, the desire to stay home with a takeaway and Strictly Come Dancing on a Saturday night increases, and we’re kinda not mad about it. Our past lockdown tired selves are quite possibly screaming into the void right now, but turns out getting dressed up every day isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and we’re heading into the new season ready to practice balance, compassion and self-care in giving our bodies what they really need.

Netflix is evidently on the same page, as our ‘to watch’ list is looking seriously juicy lately, and with that comes the need for mood lighting, the perfect snack selection and of course, the comfiest of loungewear for the ultimate relaxation experience. Whilst our collection of elasticated waistband garms increased tenfold in 2020, there’s no harm in giving a little update to these well worn and trusty pieces, and the gems of the high street and our fave online shopping destinations have not disappointed. 

From Future Self to Skims, H&M to Reiss, there’s something for neutral, colourful, cosy and breathable loungewear lovers alike, and all there’s really left to say is SORRY to your bank balance …

*This post contains ad-affiliate links

Bookworms everywhere be buzzing because Sally Rooney is back with a truly readable bang.

It’s Rooney’s first outing since she became a global literary phenomenon with Normal People (the greatest love story of all time IMO) and Conversations with Friends, and she’ll be excused for keeping us hanging because her latest work is just as chef’s kiss as her last best-selling tomes.

In the most anticipated new release of 2021, Beautiful World, Where Are You explores the lives of four friends in Dublin.

Alice, a novelist, meets Felix, who works in a distribution warehouse, and asks him if he’d like to travel to Rome with her. In Dublin, her best friend Eileen is getting over a break-up, and slips back into flirting with Simon, a man she has known since childhood.

Alice, Felix, Eileen and Simon are still young—but life is catching up with them. They desire each other, they delude each other, they get together, they break apart. They have sex, they worry about sex, they worry about their friendships and the world they live in. Are they standing in the last lighted room before the darkness, bearing witness to something? Will they find a way to believe in a beautiful world?

Keep reading to see how the team rated the latest masterpiece from one of the greatest contemporary novelists of our time.