National Read a Book Day (And Why I’m Late to the Party)

It's no secret: I dislike conventional marketing. Which is why this post is showing up late on National Read a Book Day (September 6, 2025). The marketers were probably out at dawn with their polished graphics and perfect hashtags.

Me? I’d rather be writing, reading, or feeding the cat.

But here we are — because if there’s ever a day to nudge you toward my books, it’s this one.

And yes, I now have five books. How many more am I working on? That cat isn’t getting out of the bag just yet — claws are firmly in. But I will let one tiny kitten of truth slip: four of my books feature a cat. Coincidence? Let’s just say I’m feline fine with it.

Since I’m already spilling small secrets, here’s another: the drawing for this blog is mine. And yes, I’m working on something new that will let my art stretch its paws alongside my words.

But for now, here are my books so far:

🧙‍♂️ The Gnomeward Bound Trilogy (so far, written under Helena Parx)

• The Gnome with the Golden Hat

• Gnome Too: The Gnome Grove Gem

• Gnome Tree: Gnome Roots

Think gnome politics, groan-worthy puns, and a cat who narrates it all with sharp eyes and sharper wit. Whimsy on the surface, roots much deeper underneath.

🦨 It’s Not My Fault (Lexa Drane)

A children’s picture book with a bit of therapeutic value tucked inside.

🐝 Bees, Biofeedback, and the Living Warning System (Alexandra Heep)

My most recent book — the serious one. Except it isn’t only serious. It’s about bees, chronic illness, climate, and nervous systems, tied together with threads of urgency, honesty, and hope.

So if you’re looking for a reason to read today, here’s mine: books don’t sell themselves, but they do speak for themselves.

Pick one. Or pick all five. They’ll take you from whimsical gnome groves to buzzing hives, with a skunk detour in between.

Late or not, that’s my pitch.

Happy National Read a Book Day. 📖✨