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July Camp NaNoWriMo

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July Camp NaNoWriMo

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About the Author: Serene Conneeley

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Author, reader, tea drinker, moon gazer, stone hugger, scad survivor, lover of myth, magic & the sacredness of the earth, Gadigal Country, #voteYES 💜
Day one of Atticurio Bizarre Market in Canberra, t Day one of Atticurio Bizarre Market in Canberra, today and tomorrow at EPiC 💜 @atticurio_bizarre_market
Thank you Gloria Steinem for your wisdom, strength Thank you Gloria Steinem for your wisdom, strength, determination, inspiration, courage and powerful fighting spirit. I’m so grateful I got to hear you speak, and that I live in a time that you made better for everyone 💔❤️💔 Get @reshare_app • @gloriasteinem Yesterday, Gloria Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her. Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end. Gloria’s greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard. Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor. She spent her recent years doing the two things she loved most: being in community with others and writing. She has welcomed hundreds of guests into her living room for Talking Circles, a tradition she insisted will continue long after she is no longer with us. As Gloria wrote in her forthcoming book, 𝘈𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦, “I have now lived for more than fifty years in this brownstone, in rooms that have witnessed lives before mine, and will know others after I am gone.” This book, along with her commitment to her home becoming a center for social justice movements, are among the many gifts Gloria has given the world with the hope they have ripple effects for generations to come. Gloria often quoted the adage: “The flap of a butterfly’s wing can change the weather hundreds of miles away.” Gloria loved the tradition of lighting signal fires on hills to light the way to the other side of the mountain. Lighting your own candle for Gloria makes you part of this global and celestial community circle. In lieu of flowers, Gloria has asked that those wishing to honor her with a gift, may make a donation to Gloria’s Foundation. Photo by @giamckenna for @gloriasfoundation
It’s been a long time coming… But The Sun Queen’ It’s been a long time coming… But The Sun Queen’s Apprentice is finally HERE! Finn and Astrid got to tell their story in the Snow Queen’s Daughter quite a while ago now (oops!), and poor Greta – and some very sweet readers – have been very patient with me as her story slowly wove itself together amidst several distractions (writing an oracle deck, organising two fairy tale conferences, surviving the three months of the flood etc). But she’s finally making her way into the world! I’ll be launching the book with some awesome events throughout September – I’ll see you soon Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and the Central Coast! – or you can grab it from my website. I had early copies at the recent Australian Fairy Tale Conference in Melbourne, and was so touched to see the first review. (Full version is on my website…) “The Sun Queen’s Apprentice is a beautiful, action-packed and vibrant coming-of-age novel filled with witchy, pagan and fairy-tale magic. It takes place in lands governed by the seasons – where animals talk and plants sing, and a young woman has lost her betrothed. She must journey to find him, but like the best fantasy adventures she finds bits of herself along the way. I loved this book. And read it in one sitting over many cups of tea – possibly as many as are mentioned in the book!” I hope you love her… 💚☀️💐
This weekend I’ll be in Canberra, launching my new This weekend I’ll be in Canberra, launching my new book, hanging out with friends and checking out the awesome creators at Atticurio Bizarre Market @atticurio_bizarre_market ✨ Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2026 10am–4pm ✨ Quokka Pavilion, Canberra EPIC Showgrounds, 36–62 Flemington Road, Lyneham ACT 2602 ✨ $10 entry at the door – covers both days. NDIS and carers free ✨ Quirky · Odd · Different · Eclectic · Spooky · Mystical · Artistic · Wildly Creative ✨ Indoor all-weather event ✨ Lucky door prizes ✨ Psychic and tarot readers ✨ Spiritual healers ✨ Loads of unusual and unique handmade products ✨ Quirky workshops Jewellery and accessories – crystals, alternative, crowns, flowers, mermaid jewellery, brooches, talismans, handmade weird, quirky and wild creations Natural and organic – fungi, eco-art and natural curiosities and remedies. Ritual teas and tinctures Art and creativity – glowing art and light creations, fantasy art, wild art, creepy art, macabre art, prints, posters, stickers Mystical and magical – witchy creations, spells and potions, spiritual tools, tarot cards and books Wild creatives – stained glass, resin decor, amazing upcycled toys, robots and musical instruments, crochet oddities, plush weird toys, handmade eccentric wares Handmade candles, soaps, sprays and perfumes, altars, day of the dead skulls, macabre decor Animals and creatures – bug and insect oddities, reptile-inspired curios, wings, feathers, tribal fantasy, skulls, bones Fairy art, fantasy writers with books and merch Fashion and design – boho, printed artwork on clothing Scary doll babies and creepy creations for your nightmare inspiration Curiosities and Oddities – taxidermy, framed butterflies, bugs and creatures, domes and displays Plants – air plants and succulents in crystal terrariums and skull pots Collectors and Vintage – vintage oddities and retro curios Experiences and Interactive – UV products and glowing creations!
💕🌕 Lunar blessings! Wishing you love, joy and pas 💕🌕 Lunar blessings! Wishing you love, joy and passion as the moon becomes full, and a month ahead full of promise and potential, and all the energy and strength of this magical lunar phase. What do you want to achieve right now? This month I’m (finally!) launching my new book, The Sun Queen’s Apprentice, which is exciting and nerve-racking and all the things! Whatever you dream of, may you be illuminated by the moon’s golden glow, and reminded to shine your own precious light as you embrace all that you are, and all that you want to be. #fullmoonblessings #lunarmagic #blessedbe #witchesofinstagram
❤️💔❤️ ❤️💔❤️
Day two part two… I won the Award for Inspiration Day two part two… I won the Award for Inspiration and Contribution to Australian Fairy Tale Culture, which meant I had to talk again! I’m not sure I’m any better at it, but I’m not so absolutely terrified any more - just regular levels of fear 😂 There were also enthralling stories from Jo Henwood, Priti Modyiyer and Kate Forsyth, three awesome panels, a fascinating presentation on hedgewitches and oracle cards from Kate, and much more… A wonderful, inspiring weekend on the magic and power of stories, conversations and connections, and so much more! 💜 xx
Day two of the Australian Fairy Tale Conference, w Day two of the Australian Fairy Tale Conference, with magical presentations by Priti Modyiyer, Alys McLennan and Lisa Ritchie, enchanting storytelling performances by Christine della Vedova, Liz Locksley and Kate Forsyth, a ritual workshop with Arianne James, and brilliant panels on Witches, Women and Wrath, Witches in Fairy Tales - Wise Women or Evil Enchanters, and The Witch - Power, Perception and Possibility 💜 xx
Day one, and my first panel, Fairy-Tale Familiars Day one, and my first panel, Fairy-Tale Familiars with Lucy Cavendish and Lauren Keegan, chaired by Laura Fulton. So many wonderful conversations, on and off the stage, friends old and new, and so much love and support. Such a beautiful community of like-minded yet diverse book lovers 🧙‍♀️📚💜 @australianfairytalesociety
More witchy goodness at the Fairy Tale Conference, More witchy goodness at the Fairy Tale Conference, with talks by Emma Woods and Jo Henwood, witchy songs and weaving with Louise Phillips, and catching up with friends old and new 💜🧙‍♀️✨ xx
Day one of the witch-themed Australian Fairy Tale Day one of the witch-themed Australian Fairy Tale Conference, with magical keynote speaker Lucy Cavendish, plus brilliant presenters Arianne James and Kate Forsyth, wonderful storytellers Liz Locksley, Laura Fulton and Isabel Shapcott, a guided journey with a witch goddess with Alys McLennan, recognition for founder and Ring Maiden Jo Henwood, and so much more. (Part one…)
Blessings of the dark moon! 🌑💜 I’m at the airport Blessings of the dark moon! 🌑💜 I’m at the airport waiting to fly to Melbourne for the Australian Fairy Tale Conference, and feeling like a zombie 😂 So it’s the perfect moon phase for releasing stress and worry and anxiety and exhaustion, and preparing for the new energy and new beginnings of tomorrow’s new moon. Let go of what no longer serves you, and look within to what is most important to you right now, and let the rest go 💜🌑 xx
Springtime wishes and Imbolc blessings to my frien Springtime wishes and Imbolc blessings to my friends in the southern hemisphere. Today I am grateful for the signs of spring that are slowly revealing themselves – the beautiful, sunny but still-crisp mornings, the gentle sun growing slowly stronger, the slightly lengthening days, the blue skies and beautiful sunsets, which I’ve missed because I’ve been sick all week (just a nasty cold, I’m fine) and on deadline for a book and a conference. The last couple of weeks were finally really cold – it seems the seasons are taking longer to arrive now, and longer to release their hold, but the sun was beautiful this afternoon when I met Mum for lunch, and my book will be ready in time, so all is aligning with the wheel of the year… Imbolc, poised halfway between the winter solstice and the spiring equinox, marks the end of winter as it merges into spring, and nature whispers of joy and new beginnings. This sacred day holds the energy of fresh starts, potential and promise, and is the perfect time to begin something new – or find renewed inspiration and passion for an existing project. Wishing you all the joy, new energy and awakening of the season as the light returns, and you plant the seeds of what you’d like to grow in your life. And Lughnasadh blessings to my friends in the north. May you be filled with love, inspiration and gratitude as you celebrate all you have achieved, received and harvested this year, as autumn’s gentle dwindling begins. Much love to all as the wheel turns… 🌾🍁🍄 #wheeloftheyear #imbolc #newbeginnings #lughnasadh #gratitude
It’s only two weeks until the Australian Fairy Tal It’s only two weeks until the Australian Fairy Tale Conference, and I’ve been trying to read as many books by presenters as I can. My love of bees meant I was sure to like Lauren Keegan’s debut novel All the Bees in the Hollows – it’s historical fiction (Lithuania circa 1557) woven through with bee folklore, the beauty of nature and ancient beekeeping practices, with a murder mystery and a family of disparate women at its heart. Marytè is a devoted beekeeper who lives by the rules: work with fellow beekeepers, be a good Christian, and a good harvest will follow. Her mother-in-law Senele is rooted in the Old Ways though, while her daughter Austeja is torn between the two, respectful of her mother’s faith, but intrigued by her grandmother’s pagan ways and talk of goddesses and the power of nature. When Marytè’s husband dies, she fears that Austeja isn’t dedicated enough to help her work the tree hollows, but when her oldest daughter stumbles upon the mutilated body of the Hollow Watcher, and a honeycomb of lies and betrayal, all thoughts of fleeing their isolated community fade, and she’s determined to find the killer and protect her family. It’s a slower-paced, gentle read, beautifully written and full of the magic of nature. I’m on a panel with Lauren at the conference, talking about faery-tale familiars, bee and raven folklore and more, and she’s also on a panel with Arianne James and Camille Booker discussing witches, women and wrath 🐝💚🐦‍⬛ @laurenkeeganwriter #allthebeesinthehollows #bookaweek #junereads
I can finally post about Lee Williamson’s new book I can finally post about Lee Williamson’s new book Murder at the Motel, which was released today. Like the other books in the Maggie and Marple series, it’s a sweet, fun, cosy mystery, with engaging characters, lots of treats, some humour and an adorable pup. It’s the perfect book to curl up on the couch with and drink tea all day. A jilted boyfriend. A missing ring. A ripped photograph. When Clara and Aroha agree to help their friend Dominic with a pre-opening event at his newly refurbished motel, they expect an afternoon of serving tea and cake – not a corpse in one of the rooms. Now, with the police locking down the building and naming everyone on-site a suspect, Clara finds herself trapped in close quarters with the one person she’d hoped never to see again. As tensions rise and secrets surface, Clara and Aroha must uncover the truth before her whole world falls apart. And when Clara herself becomes the next target, Maggie and the book club dig for clues from the outside. But time is running out – and the killer is closer than anyone thinks. Clara’s great-aunt, feisty bookshop owner and amateur sleuth Maggie, has to get her Murder Mystery Book Club into gear to prove Clara and Aroha’s innocence – and discover the real killer. Helped by observant pup Marple and a fun cast of characters, it has small-town New Zealand vibes, lovely friendships, sibling rivalry, a closed-room mystery and a hint of a love triangle. This is the third book in the Maggie and Marple Cosy Mysteries series, after Murder in the Manuscripts and Body in the Bookshop. Lee Williamson is the pen name of author Vivienne Lee Fraser – Lee writes cosy mysteries and sweet romances, while Vivienne focuses on fantasy, YA and time travel adventures. @leewilliamson66 @vivienneleefraser #maggieandmarple #murderatthemotel #bookaweek #33of52 #junereads
💕🌕 Lunar blessings! Wishing you an enchanted ful 💕🌕 Lunar blessings! Wishing you an enchanted full moon day, and a magical, light-filled evening. Allow your heart to open and your creativity to blossom, and feed your own creative well so you can tap in to the inspiration as well as the dedication to make your dream or your passion project come to life. I’m working on Greta’s story – part one *will* be ready to launch at the Fairy Tale Conference next month – and working on the conference. It will be a magical weekend, with so many amazing presentations, storytelling performances, panels and workshops, and I will also get to hang out with one of my best friends, hooray! May the coming lunar month bring you love, enchantment and wild joy, and may you be illuminated by the moon’s golden glow, and reminded to shine your own precious light as you embrace all that you are, and all that you want to be… 💕🌕 xx #fullmoonblessings #lunarmagic #blessedbe #witchesofinstagram
I’ve been working on this one on and off for years I’ve been working on this one on and off for years, and now it finally feels real! I can’t technically use my lil celebration present yet, because it’s still a few weeks away, but it’s close - and this sweet @ashamoondesigns cup and saucer is the perfect golden-moon, sunshiny-citrine and swirling-galaxies magic for Greta’s story 🌙 🌻 ✨ 💜 🌞 🌌
It’s NAIDOC Week, which celebrates and recognises It’s NAIDOC Week, which celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. And while I read books by incredible First Nations authors all year, I’ll take this opportunity to rave about some of my favourite authors - Anita Heiss, Larissa Behrendt, Melissa Lucashenko, Tony Birch, Tara June Winch, Gary Lonesborough and more 🖤💛❤️
Can’t wait to dive in to Kate Forsyth’s magical ne Can’t wait to dive in to Kate Forsyth’s magical new book The Changeling 💚 It was an enchanting launch on a (cool, Scottish weather) Monday night in Sydney, and so touching to hear how much this book means to Kate, and the serendipity between it and her first book Dragonclaw, the first in her brilliant Witches of Eileanan series, which she signed a publishing contract for pretty much 30 years ago to the day. I’m already guessing The Changeling may be my favourite Kate book ever 💚 xx @kate_forsyth_ #thechangeling #magicalreads
The last weekend of June was a celebration of wint The last weekend of June was a celebration of winter sunshine, sunflowers, solstice feasting and friendships old and new. A magical yule with @voulz72, Jordi, Sionnan, Bec and more, a wonderful catch-up with Gaby and Mic, a beautiful coffee-fuelled catch up with sweet Jo, a healthy lunch with lovely Martine, dinner with my faery friends Roslyn and Jo, and winter sunshine and a chill in the air. I think it’s the most social I’ve ever been! 😂💜☀️💚 xx
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