Hello, dear readers!

November’s here, and I’m racing to get everything done before Christmas! (Racing is not ideal with plantar fasciitis, but what’s a busy lady to do?)

First things first—I just submitted my 2025 novel, and let’s just say I’m feeling a mix of “Woohoo!” and “Will my editors like it?” Writing this one was a journey, a delight and a chaotic mind-bender and I can’t wait for you to dive into it next year!

But I’m not quite done with the writing cave for the year. Right now, I’m working on a short story for Amazon, which means I get to play with some fun and awful new characters and (hopefully!) make you laugh, gasp, and scream out loud. Keep an eye out— coming soon!

I’m also dabbling with my new contact lenses (putting them in and taking them out is a full-time job), planning a sleepover for Clementine’s eighth birthday party, and trying to get AI to sort out my inbox. Can you do that, AI?

And yes, Christmas is around the corner, which means it’s officially “stress about gifts” season! I’ve already started brainstorming and shared some thoughts below, so if you have any ideas for gifts that are fun, meaningful, or “I totally didn’t just grab this at the last minute”, let me know.

Wishing you a fabulous November filled with cozy reads and early holiday spirit!

Sally x

Australian Gospel by Lech Blaine

The other weekend at Berry Writer’s Festival, I was reading this book (while on deadline for submitting my own!) and could not stop talking about it to anyone who would listen. Australian Gospel is the true story of Lech Blaine’s family: he was born as the only biological child of Lenore and Tom Blaine, who had previously fostered and adopted several children, including three who were the biological children of notorious Christian fanatics (very much in the news back in the ‘70s!) Michael and Mary Shelley (just a quick Google will help with context, my goodness!). This story is remarkable, a dark comedy, and superbly written. Lech is a true rising star. Buy here.

Rivals (Disney+)

Another thing I can’t stop talking about right now! Rivals is a TV adaptation of the 1988 Jilly Cooper novel of the same name and it’s an absolute romp. Think: British aristocracy, old money marries new money, set in the 1980s, absurd, campy, sexy, so fun. You won’t regret it!

Peter Alexander PJs

My girls are obsessed with Peter Alexander pyjamas and they make such an excellent and easy gift idea for the silly season. You can go full merry and match with the whole family, or let them ‘choose their own adventure’ with a range of Xmas and non-Xmas options. Plus, they’re super comfy and adorable.

My name is Sally Hepworth and I’m obsessed with subscriptions. Anything that makes life easier and more streamline in our neurodiverse household, I’m into it. So that’s why I have themed today’s gifting ideas around subscriptions for your loved ones!

Hunter Candles

Someone recently gifted me a candle subscription from Hunter Candles and I get a new candle each month to my door, and they’re delicious. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving.

WellRead

A kids book subscription that means your child is exposed to the power of words and stories every month with a new title (mostly Aussie), which also focuses on diverse stories and perspectives? Sign me up.

Daily Blooms

Imagine if you could arrange to have flowers sent to your loved-one’s door every single month to brighten their day? Starting from $59 a month, you can do exactly that. Check out the options here.

St Ali Coffee

Whether you drink filter coffee, have an espresso machine, or those fancy pods, St Ali have something to suit. Speaking as someone who consists of 60% caffeine, this is an ideal gift for the coffee-drinker in your life. Have a look.

Remember good, old fashioned magazine subscriptions?! Let’s bring them back into the zeitgeist! Maybe your father in law loves fishing, or your sister is big into outdoor adventures, or your best friend loves celebrity gossip? News flash: magazines still exist, and with them come subscriptions that make ideal festive gifts. My faves are Vogue, Frankie and National Geographic Kids!

Dear Sally is coming on 1 December — our final dilemma for the year! I’d love for it to be holiday or festive themed… it’s a tense time of year, so go ahead and submit your curly questions below x

SUBMIT DEAR SALLY DILEMMAS HERE

I’m funny on Instagram.