Hey Reader.
Calan Gaeaf has come round again, bringing the first true day of winter in the Welsh year. The hedgerows are bare enough now that the blackthorn shows its bones, and the evenings close in so early that the lamps are lit before supper has even been thought of. Last night the old stories walked abroad, with the Hwch Ddu Gwta snuffling at the heels of whoever lingered last on the lane; this morning the world feels hushed, as if it’s holding a breath it means to keep until spring.
I’ve always loved this threshold, the way the dark half of the year settles over the hills like a woollen blanket and asks only that we light a candle, put the kettle on and stay a while. November is a month of woodsmoke and slow suppers, of rooks tumbling over ploughed fields, and stories told close to the fire. My theme for this month is when the winter birds come into their own.
Anyway, what else has happened since last we spoke, and what's coming up? Let me tell you... 💙
There’s news on two fronts this month, and I’m happy to share both. ONLY IN FAIRY TALES is ready for the world and will be released on the 9th of December in ebook, paperback and hardcover. It’s a love story for later in life, about a woman who has decided she’s far too ordinary for romance and the man who sees her quite differently, and it’s open for preorder now. It’s also waiting in my Payhip shop for anyone who likes to buy direct.
The second piece of news is that I’ve typed THE END on AMONG WHISPER FLAMES, the second book in the Between Hill and Sea series. It’s a first draft, so I’m deep in my own edits before it travels on to my editor and critique partner, which means a great deal of tea and a fair amount of muttering at my own commas. Ariandwyn’s red thread is pulling taut again, and I can’t wait to share more as the book takes shape.
Folklore Fridays this month follow the winter birds of the threshold, beginning with the raven (Brân) on the 6th, then the robin (Yr Robin Goch) on the 13th, the starling murmurations (Drudwy) on the 20th, and the kite and buzzard (Barcud a Boda) on the 27th. Today brings a special Sunday visit from the Hwch Ddu Gwta herself.
November’s calendar opens on the very first day of winter, with bonfires, poppies, and kindness gathering along the way, with the Full Moon rising over bare branches before the month is out. Here’s what’s worth marking while the evenings draw in.
🕯️ 1st November, Calan Gaeaf, the first day of winter in Wales
✒️ 1st November, National Author’s Day
🎆 5th November, Guy Fawkes Night
🌺 8th November, Remembrance Sunday
🌑 9th November, New Moon
🍂 11th November, Armistice Day and Martinmas (Gŵyl Fartin)
✨ 13th November, World Kindness Day
💛 13th November, BBC Children in Need
☄️ 17th and 18th November, Leonids meteor shower
👨 19th November, International Men’s Day
🏉 21st November, Wales v New Zealand, Principality Stadium
🥣 22nd November, Stir Up Sunday
🐄 23rd and 24th November, Royal Welsh Winter Fair, Builth Wells
🌕 24th November, Full Moon
🦃 26th November, Thanksgiving
🛍️ 27th November, Black Friday
🕯️ 29th November, Advent Sunday
FREE BOOKS
The nights are drawing in, which makes this exactly the right moment to stock the shelves, or the ereader, with something warm. This month’s free reads are all sweet, clean and cosy, the sort of stories that suit a blanket, a pot of tea and a window streaked with rain, with gentle hearts and happy endings that arrive right on cue.
Reader Besties has a lovely handful of free stories too, for those who spend the long evenings with contemporary women’s fiction, women’s fiction and romance. There’s a little something here for every kind of fireside mood.
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As the year leans toward its darkest stretch, I hope November brings slow mornings, full kettles, and a story worth lingering over. Watch for the ravens on the ridge, leave a light burning for the robins, and let the long evenings feel kind rather than heavy, because the dark half of the year has its own quiet gifts. The next newsletter will land only days before ONLY IN FAIRY TALES steps out into the world, so there’s plenty to look forward to. Until then, cadwch yn gynnes (keep warm), friends, and a very happy Calan Gaeaf.
Nos da, take care, and happy reading! 💙
Come and Join the Conversation — The Story Hearth
If you're not already in The Story Hearth on Discord, I'd love to see you there. It's a warm little space for readers and story lovers, where we talk books, folklore, writing, and whatever else the month decides to bring. I'm working on building it into something really lovely, and every new voice makes a difference.
Come and pull up a chair: https://discord.gg/gQfzqBRNns
Find More on Payhip
If you're looking for more to read while the evenings stretch out, my Payhip store has you covered. From novellas to short stories, it's the best place to find the corners of my worlds that don't always make it onto the main shelves.
Buy Direct: https://payhip.com/MorganSheppard
Come and Say Hello — Morgan's Musings
You're always warmly welcome in Morgan's Musings, my Facebook community, where readers and writers come together for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes updates, story conversations, and all things bookish. It's a cosy, friendly space, and there's always plenty of room for anyone who fancies joining in.
Join in: https://www.facebook.com/groups/morgansmusings
