It’s safe to say that the majority of the Mythic Alley coven are extremely happy to welcome the cooler months as we move towards the end of the year. (Jess enjoys basking in the sunshine but we won’t hold that against her!)

As well as heralding temperatures less likely to have the rest of us fleeing for shelter from the merciless heat, September always has a back-to-school vibe. Literally, our kids are going back to school, which might give us a bit more time for writing stuff if we are lucky, but also, the indoctrination of our youth makes it feel like a second chance at a new year.

So, what have the coven been up to over the long, ridiculously hot summer? And what have we each got planned for the rest of 2026?

Emma Jackson

All of Emma’s plans this year were thrown out the window when her partner was diagnosed with cancer in spring. Treatment is underway, and the summer was spent getting used to the new normal, trying to entertain the kids and dabbling in writing as and when life allowed. Work on Forest of Souls and Starlight was unfortunately put on the backburner, but she did complete a number of developmental edit reports, which is something she loves. If writing for herself is too difficult, offering support and advice to other writers is the next best thing!

The rest of 2026 is going to be dedicated to more editing commissions*, seeing what writing is possible without any pressure, and hopefully getting back to recording a couple of special episodes for the SFFRomCast!

*check out her website if you are interested in working with her.

Jessica Haines

Jessica somehow managed to complete her edits for her demon why choose novel, around working and the summer holidays! (Superstar). She also attended lots of concerts, with her husband, bless him, going viral at My Chemical Romance (check out her socials to see why).

Her cover designer is working on a gorgeous cover for her demons, so look out for a cover reveal and release before the end of the year!

In addition to all that, Jess is drafting the final book in the Grotesque Family series and book two in the House of Voluptus series! And Emma will be nagging her to do podcast things too probably.

Kate Kenzie

Kate spent the summer working hard on her witchy release for One More Chapter, as well as continuing with her MA in Creative Writing!

To herald the beginning of the ’ber months, Kate planned an at-home writing retreat for herself, which is, frankly, a genius idea! Here is Katie’s beautiful cover, by the way. You can click on it to pre-order for April 2027!

Emma-Louise Smith

Emma also made it to the milestone of “the end” on a writing project! (How awesome are these ladies?). Her winter romance is not fantasy but we love all kinds of romance here, and we’re sure lots of readers do too, so look out for that one.

The end of this year is packed full of exciting plans for Emma, too. She will be attending her first in-person writing event at Once Upon a Tyne (click the above image to find out more), and is aiming to publish a short Halloween release, as well as working on her edits for her winter romance and outlining more projects!

And The Whole Coven…

In case you missed it, all of the Coven are extremely excited to be launching the Romantasy Retellings Novella Competition! Our official announcement was on Tuesday, which you can check out here. Full entry guidelines, and terms and conditions, are on the way so make sure you are following so as not to miss them. Mythic Alley will be opening for entries on Monday 19th October!

How was your summer and what have you got plan for the ‘Ber months?