Authors usually fall into one of two writing camps: Plotters and Pantsers. Plotters, as the name suggests, meticulously plan out every twist and turn of their novel before they sit down to write a single word. Pantsers, on the other hand, will start with an idea and just run with it, often being surprised by their own story as it unfolds on the page in front of them.

With Christmas fast approaching, I’ve started to wonder – do I go through life as a plotter or a pantser? We’ve all got that one friend who books their festive outings in June – that’s definitely not me. It’s late October and I haven’t bought a single gift or even written a list, but that’s okay, right? Thankfully Penarth is full of fabulous independent shops with helpful staff who can pick out the perfect gift for even the trickiest family member. So, if I’m dashing around town on Christmas Eve, at least I’ll be surrounded by experts ready to help this pantser pull it all together!