My top 5 writing highlights of 2023

I love a recap, don’t you? It can sometimes feel like a year has evaporated with little to show for it, but I’m always surprised by what I come up with when I put my mind to it. 2023 was no different! I even had trouble narrowing down my list of highlights to just five…

Top 5 of 2023 writing highlights. G B Ralph author selfie with paperback copies of Murder on Milverton Square and Poison at Penshaw Hall.

1. Published Poison at Penshaw Hall

Published Poison at Penshaw Hall by G B Ralph. Image of book cover and text. The book had a fantastic release and was well received by readers (some saying they enjoyed it even more than the first one!). #1 Best Seller in LGBTQ+ Mystery (scored that lovely orange badge on Amazon). #1 New Release in LGBTQ+ Mystery (maintained the top spot for its entire release month).

This was an obvious one! So much of my year was dedicated to writing, editing, producing, publishing, and promoting Poison at Penshaw Hall, and I am so pleased with how it turned out.

The book had a fantastic release and was well received by readers (some said they enjoyed it even more than the first one!). As an added bonus, it even took out a couple of top spots:

#1 Best Seller in LGBTQ+ Mystery (scored that lovely orange badge on Amazon).
#1 New Release in LGBTQ+ Mystery (maintained the top spot for its entire release month).

2. Audiobook deal signed

In July, I finalised an audio rights deal with Tantor Media to produce and publish the first two Milverton Mysteries as audiobooks.

Then in November, I revealed that Phillip Battley would be narrating the audiobook versions and that Murder on Milverton Square would be out on 30 January 2024 followed by Poison at Penshaw Hall on 5 March 2024.

3. In-person book-selling event

In-person book-selling event. Image of author G B Ralph behind a stall of his books. Text reads: I attended the Palmy Drag Fest Rainbow Fair, my first in-person book-selling event as an author! I had an amazing time chatting with readers, signing books, and selling books.

It was so much fun meeting readers in person! I joined forces with my friend and fellow author A J Lancaster to run a stall at the Palmy Drag Fest Rainbow Fair – our first in-person event! There were so many fantastic LGBTQ+ creators, products, and services represented at the fair. And, to keep everyone entertained throughout the day, a series of stunning drag performances.

At the time, I posted briefly about our preparation efforts and a bit more about the event itself (including some more highlights!).

4. My books in libraries

My books in libraries! Selfie of author G B Ralph with a New Display shelf at a library featuring his book: Murder on Milverton Square. Text reads: A huge thanks to all the wonderful librarians ordering my books and championing them to their communities.

Seeing something I’d written on the public library shelves alongside so many other fantastic books was something special. I posted about Murder on Milverton Square‘s appearance at my local library, and then again at another library elsewhere in the country!

5. Author conference

Author conference. Image of some speakers and the audience at the event. I attended my first in-person author conference – 20Books Auckland, New Zealand – a one-day book publishing conference and networking event. I learnt so much and met so many fellow authors – some new to me and some I’d only ever interacted with online.

I attended 20Books Auckland, New Zealand – a one-day book publishing conference and networking event – and it was a big day. Craig Martelle hosted a great line-up of inspiring and motivating speakers, but the major win for me was hearing from and speaking with local authors. I posted a bit more about the event here.

Other highlights? What about you?

Did something else stand out for you this year regarding me and my writing? And what were the highlights for you in your own reading, writing, or other aspects of life? I’d love to hear what sprung to mind for you when reflecting on 2023 – drop me a message via my contact form or on the socials.

I can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring!