Seasons of mist… Yes I have stolen my debut novel’s title from a very famous poem by one of my favourite poets, John Keats… but it’s justified. I mean, it’s all about the long summer holidays, the passage of time as Autumn approaches and (mostly) a burgeoning love affair between young lesbian Robyn and a gorgeous Australian lifeguard, Autumn.
Set in 1997, it’s part love-letter to the pre-digital times (remember having to watch TV at a scheduled time, or record things on VHS? remember making mix tapes? remember writing letters or queuing for the phonebox…?)
…and part coming-of-age dramedy: all the awkward moments of first crushes, first loves, coming out and embarrassing parents and grandparents. Plus a bunch of family secrets, epic fails, epic wins and a cultural moment that captured the whole of the UK.
I love these characters. They are entirely original, complete fabrication, and yet, I hope, entirely familiar too. Like old friends.
While the novel is in no way autobiographical, there are some hints at my lived experience. I mean, the matchstick scene and the obsession with Neighbours – both formative life events for me.
The kindle version is available for pre-sale. The audio and paperback will follow soon. Full release 1 May 2025 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Autumn-Katie-M…/dp/B0DZB6M74B
Katie M Hall 