Let's Catch Up ☕️ | Life Update, End of Year Book Tag, Autumn Baking 🧁

Some news, a book tag, and some baking. Grab a cup of tea and pull up a seat. xx
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MY BOOKS:
PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THIS EXHIBIT tinyurl.com/jn...
sample poems: www.jen-campbe...
Blackwell's (free international shipping) blackwells.co....
Signed copies (shipped worldwide) www.jen-campbe...
MARCELINE: DEFENDER OF THE SEA tinyurl.com/52...
THE SISTER WHO ATE HER BROTHERS tinyurl.com/7d...
THE GIRL AQUARIUM: tinyurl.com/yc...
THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT tinyurl.com/ln...
FRANKLIN’S FLYING BOOKSHOP: tinyurl.com/hl...
FRANKLIN AND LUNA GO TO THE MOON tinyurl.com/yb...
FRANKLIN AND LUNA AND THE BOOK OF FAIRY TALES: tinyurl.com/y2...
THE BOOKSHOP BOOK: tinyurl.com/qb...
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Things mentioned:
Patreon: / jenvcampbell
Get 65% off Gousto: (affiliate link) www.gousto.co.u...
Listen to audiobooks while supporting bookshops! (referral link) libro.fm/refer...
Books Unbound: podcasters.spo...
Ariel's tag: • The End of the Year Bo...
Cupcake recipe: sallysbakingad...
Sanne: / @booksandquills
Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulson
Seance Tea Party by Reimena Yee
Night Side of the River by Jeanette Winterson
Gods of Want by K-Ming Chang
Here Be Icebergs by Katya Adaui
Walking on Cowrie Shells Nana Nkweti
The Movement by Ayisha Malik
When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
Moving Mountains: Writing Nature Through Illness and Disability
Greengates by RC Sherriff
The Province of the Gods by Kenny Fries
Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? by Nicci French
Mistletoe Malice by Kathleen Farrell
1. Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?
2. Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?
3. Is there a new release you're still waiting for?
4. What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?
5. Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favourite book of the year?
6. Have you already started making reading plans for next year?
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WHO I AM
Hello, I'm Jen Campbell. I'm an award-winning poet and bestselling author of twelve books, spanning short stories, poetry, picture books, and nonfiction.
My books for adults include The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night, The Girl Aquarium, The Bookshop Book, and The Sunday Times bestselling Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops series. My picture book trilogy Franklin and Luna, and my middle-grade book The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers, are published by Thames & Hudson. I've won both an Eric Gregory Award and the Jane Martin Poetry Prize, and my books have been translated into twenty languages.
I've worked in the publishing industry for over fifteen years, initially as a bookseller, and now as a freelance editor, content creator and disability advocate. I review books online, in print and on the radio. I run a KZbin channel where I talk about books, the history of fairy tales, and the representation of disability and disfigurement. I also offer online writing workshops and editorial services, give talks at schools, publishing companies, universities and book festivals on a variety of topics, and I run a book club for TOAST clothing.
If you would like to speak with me about the possibility of working together, please get in touch via email: [e-mail] x
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Where to find me:
Website: www.jen-campbel...
Editorial services: www.jen-campbel...
Writing Workshops: www.jen-campbel...
Twitter: / jenvcampbell
Instagram: / jenvcampbell
Patreon: / jenvcampbell
Events: www.jen-campbel...
Podcast: www.jen-campbel...
Facebook: tinyurl.com/3o3...
Storygraph: app.thestorygr...
Email: [e-mail]
(Since starting KZbin, some of you have been asking what's wrong with my hands. This video should answer any questions :) • My Disability | EEC Sy... )
This contains no sponsored content. Any books marked with * were kindly sent to me for review.
#Booktube #ChattyVideo

[@Elizabeth-Reads]

I want to thank you so much for being so sensitive about how your news will affect some of us who've been through this incredibly painful infertility journey. We suffered 4 miscarriages, after seeing a heartbeat, and eventually gave up and decided to foster, which has been a very difficult path, but a blessing as well. And yes, even with our daughter I still feel that pain and always will. I've felt that same sort of grief when I see people I know becoming pregnant, even while I'm so happy for them. But when I saw your title, I was hoping so much this would be your "life update." And with all you've been through, hearing your news, truly all I felt was joy. I'm so, so happy for you, Jen. ❤

[@abbyT2023]

Congratulations. You articulated the mixed emotions of grief and happiness so well and I am sure many people will appreciate your thoughtfulness in how you announced your wonderful news. So happy for you. I hope the rest of the pregnancy goes smoothly for you. Such wonderful news!

[@oklahomatraphouse]

Congratulations Jen! I'm a silent viewer (don't comment often) but wanted to say thank you for all the great books I have read throughout the years because of your videos.

[@alyssabethguerra7820]

I. AM. CRYING. I’m currently about 19 weeks also with a very long awaited surprise baby after infertility. It’s terrifying when you get what you wanted and waited for and the first trimester was particularly hard for me to grasp as well. I remember thinking at about 7 weeks that if I got to do anything for this baby, should anything happen, I wanted to read them their first children’s book (very aware they are just a mass of cells at that point but oh well) and I chose Franklin’s Flying Bookshop because you have meant so much to me. And this whole time I have been thinking “I hope Jen gets her baby too” 😭😭😭 Literally so happy for you and I hope that everything works out 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@rebeccachapman1317]

This is an empathetic, compassionate community of viewers and we are entirely respectful of your privacy now and in the future. Wishing you all the best. And thanks for adding another recipe to my ever growing list!

[@GettingHyggeWithIt]

Holding grief and hope at the same time is so very much how I felt after becoming pregnant after years of infertility. Absolutely spot on. I know that everyone in your life including us here want to just celebrate and shout this news from the rooftop. Because we love you. Because we want only good beautiful things for you. But we will be here to hold all of the complex feelings you have along side of you. Sending you so much love Jen. I have never met you and yet here I am weeping for you and this news xoxo

[@oleviaward7058]

Oh Jen and mr m. Xxxxx. Thank you for sharing about your heartbeat. You are. Xxxxxxx

[@kirstenlee7575]

Hi Jen, a huge congratulations to you! Although I battled with sub-fertility for 12 years, including IVF, I am now at peace with my life and only experience joy for other people's announcements. You spoke so thoughtfully and compassionately. Thank you for sharing your wonderful news and I wish you all the best with the future and all of the balancing you are doing.

[@Angecm]

I'm so happy for you! You'll be a lovely mum. 💐🥇🤗

[@gamewrit0058]

🥇Well done on accomplishing the Booker prize video! And congratulations to you and Mr. M. Sending lots of love. 💖

[@jollyaboutbooks1502]

Jen - I can’t even tell you how joyful I felt watching this video. I’ve been a subscriber of your channel for a long time and you’ve been so forthright about your experiences. You have been through so much and you were so thoughtful in the way that you delivered this news - so caring toward others who are on or who have had similar journeys to yours. Wishing you all the best for the rest of your pregnancy and birth journey. 🥰

[@annakatharinagamzearnold5158]

Dear Jen, several years following your channel. Normally I'm a still viewer, no comments, but love all your content. In all ways you're a lovely and impressive woman. Today sending my best wishes and congratulation to you and Mr. M. about this good news! 🍀 ( Sorry for possible mistakes in grammar, but english isn't my mother tongue.) Greetings from Germany! Gamze

[@angela-thebooknerdess2110]

Firstly, having seen 0.001% of the journey you have had to take with fertility and navigating chronic illness and all the myriad of things associated I wish to celebrate where you are in this video. Secondly I wish to send past Jen, and all the people who desire a child who are struggling just the biggest hug. I saw the pain my mother would have when talking about her journey (it took 13 years before she'd have me - I don't know about loses, I can only imagine.) The grief and pain is something I can't imagine, but you all have my love and all the hugs and it seems so little. Thirdly (and lastly) God I love the channel, the tact and compassion is beautiful, and then we get baking and my overall love for the coziness of this channel makes me feel so nurtured. So thank you.

[@newbooksmell9221]

Oh Jen. I've been here for 10 years and I just feel so much respect for your thoughtfulness and how you chose to talk about your experiences, what you chose to share and to keep private. And "to hold hope and grief at the same time": I've felt this one to the bone. Wishing all good things come your way, truly

[@robotnic]

How do we carry life’s ten thousand joys and ten thousand sorrows? Congratulations, Jen. Wonderful news, and I hope there are more joys to come for you x

[@InsertLiteraryPunHere]

Jen! The way my heart just lifted! I feel absolutely suffused with happiness for you; thank you for sharing your news and I'm sending you the very best of vibes and wishes across the Atlantic

[@YourTrueShelf]

Sending you a lot of love xx I've been here for 5 years, so hearing this news, and the amazing way that you explained it is wonderful. I don't share my kids on booktube either, I really didn't feel comfortable doing so. The mama wolf instincts are strong! Xxxxx

[@renee_3364]

Jen, you almost made me cry for the second time this month. The first time I cried was whilst your collection Please Do Not Touch This Exhibit. It hit close to home on so many levels for me and is now one of my favourite reads of the year so far. This news has me almost tearing up again. You expressed the mixed feelings so well: joy, grief, insecurity and so much more, all coexisting together. I want to say congratulations, but I’m not sure if that covers it. Sending love to you and mr M; for all of it. ❤

[@juliequick5526]

Words can’t say how happy I am for you! As someone who did not become a Mum, I understand your feelings. Not celebrating the pregnancy of a friend is just not right though. Sending all the love and supportive energy that I’m able. I can’t imagine someone more ideal as a Mum. Rejoice but I know you will feel the guilt too 💖💖💖

[@BilingualBookworm]

That was John Green, love, yes. Congratulations again. Crying with you - for all the things. All of them. 💚

[@elisalenzi]

Congratulation! And thank you for the your kindness

[@nthabiandherbooks]

Oh Jen congratulations!!! Such wonderful news and I am so happy for you! And thank you for the sensitivity around sharing the news - I am on the couch currently crying because I suffered a miscarriage last week and your disclaimer made me feel valid. I gladly listened to you be happy about your pregnancy and I am so happy for you!!!

[@jenvcampbell]

I'm so sorry, Nthabia, sending lots of love to you. xxxxx

[@laurabelle08]

Congratulations, Jen! ❤️ I’ve been a longtime (silent) viewer of yours. I discovered the world of Booktube during a period of infertility and loss in my life. Your videos, particularly the “things that have been making me happy/less anxious” themed videos helped me through a very dark time before having my son (now two sons!). The Franklin books are a favorite at our house, and always make me think of you. Sending you the absolute warmest wishes as you welcome your little one. You will be/already are a wonderful mother.

[@jenvcampbell]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@lesleydeeming9479]

After reading your wonderful book, ‘Don’t touch the exhibits’ I am in tears at your news🥲🥲 though they are totally happy tears. Huge congratulations to you and I pray all goes well for the rest of your pregnancy.. I completely understand how you feel regarding holding the happiness and grief together,, though the less said the better.. I did wonder if you were pregnant when you were reviewing the Booker Prize as you looked so pale, I just figured you would let us all know sooner or later…and you have!!!

[@Periwinkle_Sunflower]

Congratulations Jen, soon you’ll be reading your own books to your baby 🤍

[@mehreenali5475]

What a lovely thought!

[@philippawood5047]

❤❤You deserve ten gold medals, Jen, for your book knowledge and everything else you give to this community.🏅

[@francesjanegretton1270]

I wish you well, I will keep you in my thoughts.

[@patreiser526]

I've been watching you for years and never commented. But today, I literally shouted out loud all alone in my house, I was so overwhelmed for you. Please accept my very happy congrats for you and Mr. M.

[@terileekline]

Beautiful video in every way. Thank you so much. 😊

[@FranMeneses]

omg Jen I'm so happy for youu! receiving good news after a LONG rocky period can feel so destabilizing (I go through all the stages of self-doubt, anxiety, impostor syndrome and so on), but I really hope you can be able to enjoy this process : .. ) sending you so many hugs and love from crispy sunny Brooklyn

[@sandrinedurand3203]

I am absolutely delighted for you.

[@cynthibook]

Thank you for sharing that part of your life. ♥

[@Carla0297]

Well I teared up at the Instagram post and now I'm tearing up at the YT video🥲 sending the softest congratulations to you and Mr M 💛 I personally appreciate hearing others talk about their fertility struggles and feel so uplifted by news like this but completely understand why you'd want to keep it private. All the best Jen xx

[@hollyc4624]

Congratulations to you both! What a difficult journey you have had and to reach a point where you can anticipate adding a member to your family is scary and thrilling. You will be an amazing mother and I couldn’t be more excited for you. All the best wishes and prayers for an uneventful second half of the pregnancy and a healthy Mum and baby. ❤

[@Jokerine24]

OMG - congratulations!! So happy for you. All the best.

[@bpworldful]

OMG I'm so happy for you, Jen! I've been following your channel for years and even though we don't know each other, your videos have been such a comfort and such a lovely Sunday company. You're going to be a wonderful mother, I have no doubt. Congratulations again 🥰🥰

[@OnefortheBooks]

This was the announcement i was hoping for when i clicked on this video! ❤ congratulations

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

Thank for sharing this news and congratulations. I hope all goes well.

[@blackraven7774]

just a small comment while i am still watching the end of year tag - it is so true that we can take with us as adults from our childhood the sense of imagination, playfulness...it struck a cord with me due to having a very traumatic childhood...anyways back to watching - sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to dream😇💛🌹🌹🌹

[@blackraven7774]

oh my stars!!!! congratulations on your pregnancy!!!

[@theworddegree]

Oh Jen I am so so so happy for you ❤❤❤

[@sydneysomer9958]

Oh my goodness, Congratulations!!!!! ❤❤

[@katieannwicked]

Congratulations Jen! I'm so happy for you I cried lol Best wishes going forward. And completely understand the reason for not sharing everything for us out there still in Hope

[@eringolive]

OMG!!! I literally squealed and clapped. I’m so happy for you. ❤❤❤ Thank you for sharing such and intimate part of your life.

[@pilgrim41]

full on cried of happiness for you

[@dianefilteau5199]

Such wonderful news.

[@victoriajohansson7669]

Wow Jen! Just...WOW

[@eringolive]

My most anticipated release for the end of the year is MY OWN book, No Matter What. !!! It’s the story of my late husband and I. He was hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq and survived nearly 13 years. It’s our love story, but it’s really a story of perseverance and resilience. It’ll be out sometime in November. I can’t believe it’s really happening.

[@booksandcatss7829]

Congratulations on your published book

[@cherylmusgrove7]

You are an incredible empathic gem. I’ve been following you for years and my heart is bursting with joy. Love to you

[@samm-hatch]

I have never been happier for a complete stranger. Congratulations Jen! I teared up watching. Side note, I can dream that one day I will see you on Great British Bake Off right? lol. Thank you for all your wonderful videos and book recommendations.

[@carolbresnahan1244]

So happy for you and thank you for your sensitivity. I have 3 daughters, 2 of whom had children and the 3rd going through miscarriage, surgery and disappointment with IVF. As a family we all felt being on the tightrope of emotion as each pregnancy and subsequent birth took place. She was so brave through it all and remained stoic. Then the IVF was successful and we were still on the tightrope of fear and expectation. Along came her daughter, now 6 years old, loud, confident and a constant joy in all of our lives. I wish nothing less for you 🌻

[@yourssincerelyalm]

Jen, I love your channel and have always appreciated the thoughtful way in which you navigate life’s complexities. Finding a place online that is so sensitive to the needs of others is a special thing indeed, and that’s the space that you have created and shared. I’m overjoyed to hear your news. Thank you for trusting us with it. x

[@anaovejero103]

Soooo happy for You! I wish the Best for You, your baby and MrM. You have been company in my gloomiest days without knowing! You deserve this and much more!!! Love from Argentina

[@nancyclark5134]

congratulations! Great News

[@sandeesandwich2180]

What wonderful news!!!! 💗💗💗💗💗

[@trish5912]

Oh jen so excited for you and Mr M

[@solenncful]

Oh Jen - I'm so delighted for you. I know from your previous videos what a difficult journey you have been on. Really hoping that the rest of the pregnancy is smooth and thank you for sharing your joy in such a kind and thoughtful way ❤❤

[@kaortega1120]

Congratulations, Jen! I have been a long time follower and I am thrilled for you. Wishing you all the best! I love how real and sensitive you are regarding your personal journey and how you think of others feelings, as well. Kindness is certainly what gets us all through.

[@starr6198]

[@EvieM1]

Congratulations, Jen. ❤️ Here’s your gold medal for getting that vlog done. 🥇

[@MissLizzy184]

Congrats! I suffered several loses but am currently 6 months along so I am cautiously optimistic.

[@ClaireReadsBooks]

So thrilled for you, Jen, and wishing you all the best during this time ♥️ Your videos are always such a balm, and I’m glad they’re as much a comfort for you as the are for us

[@mariatavares8513]

Just enjoy.🎉

[@anettedingeldein1942]

So glad for you! Had a little happy cry. 🥲 Thank you for sharing the good news in your very unique and eloquent way. Simply love all your content, bookish and otherwise. ❤

[@margaret000]

It is such a gift the way you share your reflections and feelings with us. I know you are careful about what details, and when, and how to talk about many things in your life - but holding multiple heavy and conflicting emotions is so relatable (despite mine being in vastly different ways and areas of life). It is so lovely to sit and watch your videos and feel that (parasocial) connection. Sending so much love.

[@trishawood2997]

So happy for you. ❤

[@chiming_]

Congratulations❤ Very supportive of your decision to keep your personal life private. And super happy to hear that you will continue with this book channel.❤

[@salyshokr4034]

Congratulations my dear I wsh everything goes on so well ❤❤

[@hayleilei9604]

So so happy for you! I’ve been hoping for this for you, the relief and fear of pregnancy after infertility is so intense and so conflicting. Massive gold medal to you for producing content at this time!!!!!❤

[@Bookslovejenna]

🏅Here is your gold medal. I, like so many others, are sending the universe all the healthy, whole, peaceful, grateful, and joyful vibes on your behalf. May there be only happy surprises from this day forward.

[@CallMeNIBS]

Oh Jen, what wonderful news. I truly wish your small family all the best - especially since I know the road to get here wasn't just rocky but rather lousy with boulders. Congratulations to you and Mr M.! ♥️

[@KathyTrithardt]

I am so very happy for you and Mr. M, and appreciate you including us in this life news whilst also setting very clear boundaries regarding your future child and this platform. Knowing how long this journey has been for you, I nearly cried in my cross stitching at hearing that you are pregnant. I wish you and your family all the best.

[@KathyTrithardt]

And yes, imagine others complexly was John Green. I do believe that might be why his company is called Complexly, after that quote.

[@caitidunlap8101]

Oh Jen, congratulations. I’m overwhelmingly happy for you both.

[@nancydrew2213]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have watched your channel for a while now. I am so happy for you. All the best! 😍💘😻💝💖💗💙💜🤎💛🧡❤

[@MsTimmy1987]

The most wonderful news for the most wonderful people! Congratulations to you both! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@janeduffield4801]

Happy to hear your good news. Wishing you well in every way. Thank you for being you.

[@sjatkins9120]

❤ All my love and congratulations Jen. I went through IVF and it's something very scary, and even traumatic dare I say, to go though and the stages you have to go through can be very misunderstood by those that do not know. I was surprised how many people have/are going through it though, and like you said, I think it needs to be more open so we know we're not alone. Thank you for sharing and wish you and your family all the best

[@SonniesOriginals]

Congratulations to you and Mr. M., please take all the time and space you need/can to cope with all the complex feelings you are experiencing, we'll sit here patiently waiting for you! Sending lots of hugs xx

[@oliviabradley8638]

Sending so much love xx I just read Please Do Not Touch This Exhibit the other night, and just a few days later saw your Instagram post and I am so so happy for you, and holding so much space for the grief that continues to ebb and flow in and around such wonderful, delicate news.

[@jennmartin851]

Congratulations! 🎉🎉 So excited for y’all! I hope the roller coaster now turns into a very lovely but utterly boring slow train ride through the country for the next half. I wish you both all the calm and happiness you deserve

[@annared07]

I'm so happy for you Jen, you've articulated the complexity of the situation so beautifully. Greengates is a wonderful book as is a Fortnight in September

[@friendsintheleaves]

I had tears in my eyes. I'm extremely happy for you.

[@benreadsgood]

Congratulations Jen - everything crossed for you for smooth sailing from here. You deserve it! 🙏

[@allie-fleur]

Congrats, Jen! ❤️ I’m so, so happy for you and Mr M. Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes very well. ❤️

[@doesitmatter13]

Huge congratulations Jen! My sister, who I live next door to, just had a baby and altough is been hard (why do they cry so much?...), it really is a very lovely thing. Wishing you and Mr.M the best x

[@curiosityplease]

Congratulations Jen, best wishes 🎉 I love how kind and thoughtful you are of others.

[@hausofrhetorika]

Thank you for being so candid about your pregnancy, and share that bit with us. It made me tear up a bit.

[@georginakey6298]

I cried and clapped when you shared your news-I’m so happy for you x

[@anna-mariecollins8502]

Congrats on your baby to be! 🎉❤ More content creators, and people in general, need to take this kind of respectful and gentle approach to pregnancy announcements.

[@evagrace3840]

Huge congratulations! Looking forward to the baby book reviews…

[@jenvcampbell]

I doubt I’ll be doing much of that, given the focus of my channel isn’t going to change, but I review children’s books for IBC, which you can find here: www.inclusivebooksforchildren.org x

[@evagrace3840]

@@jenvcampbell maybe a wee Christmas special? ;) but also love IBC, a very useful resource!

[@melissafirman1962]

Congratulations on the pregnancy news! So very happy for you, Jen. Holding hope and grief simultaneously -- yes, that is a very real thing and quite unsettling at times indeed. And the synchronicity of dates. We, too, have been through the IVF journey and know the emotions that this moment brings. All the best to you!

[@altairxiii7522]

Jen!!!!!! I’m so happy for you!! Congratulations, yay!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Wintersheim]

I’m so happy and excited for you, Jen! Sending you lots of love, and gold medals!

[@carolewatson2113]

I’m very happy for you, Jen. I enjoy your videos but rarely comment. I never had children but am always really pleased for others.

[@munglejoela]

So much love and congratulations for you. I hope things go as smoothly as they can. Your channel is so often a balm in crappy times that I'm happy it helps you as well, and I'm very glad to hear you'll still be around. I also wanted to say thanks for letting us know about the Durham book festival as there are so few places which carried on doing online events it was a real treat to watch one. With a chronic illness I can't attend many in person these days and I really wish more festivals had continued to provide online content to go with the in person events.

[@TanyaWestley]

Congratulations Jen, I am so incredibly happy for you x

[@DawnMarie1123]

Sending lots of love to you and Mr M. I'm so happy for you. ❤

[@ivanainthecity]

Congratulations and best wishes, Jen! Your videos always bring so much comfort.

[@cathyi3805]

Congratulations Jen!!! I don't comment much, but I'm a long time viewer. So happy for you!❤

[@katherineallen4239]

Congratulations, Jen! So happy for you. ❤ best wishes for the future!

[@clarethwaite7716]

So happy to hear your wonderful news, Just thinking of the children's books you will be reading. I did go to Bath and bought Please do not touch the exhibit from Mr B's Emporium bookshop. I am loving it and keep returning to read in more depth. Haven't really read poetry much since I left school nearly 60 years ago. Hope all goes well over the next few months. ❤