November has been a bloody month. Truly. Team — hot damn. I need a bath, my vibrator, a glass of wine, and about 10 uninterrupted hours to remember who I am as a person.
We kicked off with our birthday sale, and holy smokes, you all turned up like you were storming the gates of Valhalla. Biggest weekend we’ve ever had. I felt so loved I briefly considered writing poetry.
Sarah and Matthew asked me to film a reel talking about how much your support meant and reflecting on Grim’s first year. Cute. Sweet. Wholesome. Except I got emotional — like, full mascara sliding down my face emotional — and now I have a 30-minute video on my phone of me crying about how wonderful you all are. It was deemed “too emotional for the public,” so I guess it’s going in the vault for a dramatic 10-year anniversary reveal.
Side note: Matthew genuinely didn’t believe I could cry. Surprise, Matthew — I’m basically a fountain.
That same week — after packing orders until 10pm with my delightful group of helpers (paid in love (my husband) and books (not my husband)) — I zoomed off to interview H.G. Parry at Schrödinger’s Books in Petone for the launch of A Far Better Thing. My first-ever live author interview. I was vibrating with nerves so hard I could’ve powered the shop lights. Naturally, I took a tequila shot beforehand. I was so grateful Mary asked me, it was bloody fantastic, and the Wellington booksellers remain some of the best humans supporting the indie book world. If you’re in Wellington: support your indies. Actually, support them everywhere. Honestly, supporting indies should count as a public service.
Then I wrapped that week up by flying to Auckland to celebrate the launch of local indie author Cat Sirota’s second book, Embracing Light. We had such an amazing time — we sold out of books on the night, pure magic — and afterwards we went on to dance the night away like unhinged gremlins set loose at a wedding. And yes, of course, another tequila shot was taken to calm the nerves of speaking in front of over 60 book lovers. I got to talk to some of you and I bloody loved every second of it. I would’ve happily stayed chatting even longer — it just cements how incredible the book community is in NZ.
And THEN came the bookish tsunami: Brimstone dropped and it POPPED OFF. To celebrate, we gave away one of the very limited edition signed & numbered hardback editions of Quicksilver (be proud of me, I didn’t faint holding it). The response was wild. If you’re new because of it — welcome to the mad house.
The winner was a huge fan and is still glowing. If you didn’t win… well… we may have something (or two somethings) planned when book three lands.
Before I join you all in the hype, someone please gently tell me if Brimstone ends on a cliffhanger and whether I’ll emotionally survive it. I’m fragile. Tequila can only do so much.
Now we’re gearing up for Christmas and December’s unique brand of festive chaos. Courier cut-off dates are coming — check them out below unless you enjoy panic. Otherwise, buckle in. We’re entering peak crazy before collapsing into January sunshine like exhausted lizards.
Get those TBRs wrangled, squeeze in the last few books you need to hit your 2025 reading goals, or simply surrender to reading because it’s the one thing that consistently lights you up. Doesn’t matter what you read, how you read, or how often — only that it makes you happy.
Releases Coming this November
All The Important Updates
Weekly Christmas Giveaways
I’m not spilling all the beans… but newsletter readers get the early wink: we’ve got an epic December lined up with a special edition giveaway every single week to celebrate Christmas. Eyes on socials. Always.
Shield of Sparrow (ANZ Release)
Sold out within 24 hours. You lot are delightfully unhinged. And no, there won’t be a restock. I feel your pain.
T.R. Sherring Debut Launch – March
Her debut novel A Tale of Cursed Tides is coming — a Romantasy inspired by The Little Mermaid, with a murder-mystery twist, magic, danger, and morally grey female main characters (aka: heaven). The launch will be in Wellington. We’re meeting with her soon to plot how to make it absolutely iconic. Consider this your heads-up.
US Shipment Delays
The silly season means some stock is travelling at “I’m tired, don’t rush me” speed. Thanks for your patience!
Christmas Postage Saga
Last day we send parcels: 22 Dec
Want books under the tree? Order by 18 De
Couriers take naps on public holidays. Rude
We’ll pop into the office on 29 Dec, then fully resurrect on 5 Jan.
Grinch Hands:
They’re coming. That’s all.
Alchemised Sprayed-Edge Edition
Surprise! Release moved forward to mid-December and pre-orders are now live.
Helen Scheuerer – Silver and Smoke
Waiting on UK stock to arrive for her to sign. Counting down like it’s Christmas Eve.
December Releases
Up to 35 this month — stacked at the start, then it eases off as it's Christmas time and we have to buy our brothers, sisters and in-laws things that they probably don’t want.
New Shelves (Featuring Husband™)
My husband has many tools under his belt — and a few he only whips out for me. Anyway, admire these new display shelves he made. He’s the muscle behind my chaotic ideas.
Signing Off
That’s us, team. December chaos primed, books incoming, giveaways locked and loaded, courier elves trembling in fear. Thanks for sticking with me through the mayhem, the tequila-fuelled events, the emotional spirals, and the towering TBRs we continue to pretend we’ll conquer.
If you’re staring down the Christmas gifting void wondering what to get that “special someone”… get them a book. Truly. Give them an adventure, a distraction, a new obsession — it’s cheaper than therapy and way sexier than socks.
Stay fab, dream team — from your favourite (well… the one you tolerate) book nerd.
Anastasia xx
Book Nerd & Founder of The Grimoire
