February Had Other Plans
I had it all planned out.I knew exactly what I was going to write for this February edition. The notes were there, the ideas were flowing, and I felt organised for once. And then I woke up to the news that one of my all-time acting idols, James Van Der Beek, had passed away.
To try and put into words the tremendous impact Dawson’s Creek had on my life would take hours. I grew up with that show. I grew up with that cast. Week by week, season by season, they felt like friends. They taught me about love, heartbreak, friendship, loyalty and what it meant to feel deeply. They opened my mind to a world of articulate, empowered teenagers who weren’t afraid to talk about their emotions — even when it was messy.
I was hooked from the very first episode.
And while I am — and always will be — devoutly Team Pacey, I adored James Van Der Beek. He brought such vulnerability and intensity to Dawson. Beyond Dawson’s Creek, he continued to share his talent with the world through projects like Varsity Blues, Rules of Attraction, Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, and so many more. He wasn’t afraid to poke fun at himself, to evolve, to grow. He seemed self-aware, kind, and deeply appreciative of the fans who grew up alongside him.
The fact that someone who shaped such a significant part of my formative years is now gone is heartbreaking. I find it odd and unsettling that I’m now at an age where my childhood idols are getting older. Some are getting sick. Some are passing away. And it hits in a way I never quite expected. It’s a sharp reminder of time moving forward, whether we’re ready for it or not.
It sucks. Big time. And I hate it.
So, to James Van Der Beek — and to the entire cast of Dawson’s Creek — thank you. Thank you for making my teenage years feel understood. Thank you for the tears, the hope, the angst and the unforgettable moments.
I’ve just introduced the show to my 13-year-old, and she is officially hooked. She’s only on Season 2, and I am itching for her to see how it all unfolds. Watching it through her eyes now feels like a full-circle moment I didn’t know I needed.
James also used his platform to raise awareness for causes that were close to his heart. One of those causes was colon cancer, a journey that hit very close to home when his wife, Kimberly, was diagnosed in 2019. James became an advocate for early detection, treatment, and cancer research, sharing Kimberly’s fight with the world and encouraging others to prioritise their health. It’s rare to see someone so public about their personal struggles, but his openness sparked conversations and made a real difference in raising awareness about a disease that impacts so many families.
If you’d like to support the fight against colon cancer and honour James’s advocacy, there are some wonderful organisations dedicated to research and support, including:
https://coloncancercoalition.org/
https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/
In Other News… Light Switch Gate
On a completely different note — house news.
We are officially in what I like to call the “doing stage.” Plans are drawn. The construction crew is involved. Decisions are being made. It’s exciting… mostly. Until you get to light switches and plug sockets.
Smiling on the outside, freezing on the inside! I can’t wait for the house to get electricity and plumbing!
Who knew:
A) They were so expensive?
B) People could have such strong opinions about height levels, finishes, styles and how many a single room should contain?
Honestly. The debates in my house!
The renovation is much needed, and while the big work will soon be underway, we’ve been tackling the smaller jobs ourselves — removing plaster, dismantling old furniture, pulling up and ripping out whatever we can manage. Even my little boy has gotten in on the action, which is equal parts adorable and mildly chaotic.
We are exhausted. Absolutely shattered. But we are so excited. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching it slowly come together — even if it does involve domestic disputes over brushed chrome versus matte black.
Book Fairs & Signings – Eeeek!
Now for something that makes me just as nervous as it does excited…
I’ll be at HEA in Liverpool on the 28th, and I genuinely don’t know whether to squeal or hide under a table. It’s my first signing, so nerves are very real — but I cannot wait to meet readers face-to-face.
After that, I’ll be attending:
Book Bonanza – Manchester, April 18th
Literary Escape Festival – Liverpool, May 23rd
Book Babes – Chester, November 28th
I’m also signing up for events next year, so keep an eye on upcoming dates. My goal is to attend at least one event every two months (ambitious? yes. exciting? also yes). I’ll share more as dates are confirmed.
If you’re local to any of these and fancy popping by, please do. I would absolutely love to see you. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Manchester Book Bonanza Tickets, Sat, Apr 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite
Literary Escape Festival - `Liverpool Tickets, Sat, 23 May 2026 at 10:30 | Eventbrite
Book Babes Takes Xmas 2026 Tickets, Sat, Nov 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
Signing off
February may not have gone the way I planned, but maybe that’s the point. Life shifts. News hits. Emotions surface. And sometimes you just have to write what’s on your heart instead of what was on your content calendar.
Until next time. ❤️
With love and gratitude,
Effie
XO