Finding North: August 2025
All about writers' retreat. š” āš¼
Note: The recording above is a reading of this newsletter ā thereās no different content, and itās not produced, so youāll hear the occasional stumble, or sounds of daily life in the background. If youāre someone who needs or prefers to hear their news, then I hope itās helpful.
Hi there! Iām Amie Kaufman, NYT and internationally bestselling author of The Isles of the Gods, Illuminae, Aurora Rising, Ladyās Knight, These Broken Stars, and many more. This newsletter is the place to learn about my latest releases or events, and to follow along behind the scenes as I find my way through writing, and through life.
Hi, my friends.
I recently spent a week signing my name 15,000 times, which is nothing if not an exercise in meditation. I was working on one of the special editions of Illuminae thatāll be coming out for the seriesā tenth anniversary. I am grateful for the opportunity, and also my hand is sore, and for sure I was ready to head out on writing retreat by the end of it. This month Iām going to tell you about what that was like.
In this letter:
Writing retreat ā what itās like and why I go
A secret door in the making
A writing update
A book rec
A giveaway

Before I begin properly, though, I want to thank you all for your excitement and support for my new book announcement last month. Iām so excited to head back to space (well, Mars) with you in February. Iāve just seen a final cover, and itās so good!
If youāre one of the people excited about Red Star Rebels, it would mean the world if youād add it on Goodreads (these early numbers really do help!) or preorder it ā thatās a link for US booksellers, many more are coming soon!
What Iāve Been Up To
I go on writing retreat several times a year ā sometimes on my own, sometimes with a handful of friends, and once each year with a whole pack of author friends.
This has been a yearly tradition for nearly a decade. We rent the same amazing house, which has a big fireplace, a zillion couches to sit on while we work, kangaroos outside to admire, and towering eucalypts all around. Then we pile it full of writers, and magic happens.

Retreat is a time to immerse ourselves in writing, but also a time to strengthen and renew our connections. Writing is a solitary endeavour, and time spent with others who see what you do is so important.
We sit around the long (loooong) dining table each evening and eat together, and solve plot problems, and brainstorm traps and titles and plot twists. Someoneās always laughing, someoneās always staring into space, having an idea.
Itās a time to pass on wisdom to others, and to learn from their ideas. The community of retreat is as important as the creativity, is what Iām saying. I had such a good time on this retreat, and Iām already counting down to next yearās outing.
If youād like to hear about the practicalities of retreat (how do you book a house, how does there come to be dinner?) then you might like the episode we did on this on the Pub Dates podcast. Kate and I talked all about this very retreat, and how the logistics happen. You can find it in the Pub Dates feed wherever you get your podcasts, or at the button below.
Also in news at our house, weāve bought a huge antique wardrobe, and the plan is that my husband (who is a ridiculously talented woodworker) is going to turn it into a false door through to our library, so watch this space for updates on that.
We are at the āAmie throws impractical suggestions that demonstrate her lack of understanding of basic carpentryā stage of proceedings right now, and heās holding up quite well.
What Iām Writing
Meg and I are plunging into edits on Ladyās Knight 2 ā you can look forward to a cover reveal and a title reveal before the end of the year, but for now Iāll just say that weāre having so very much fun. And hereās a sneaky peek at the doc we made to tell our editor all about this book.
Iām also up to my eyebrows in PhD work right now, which I really should talk about more here. Iām definitely at that stage where Iām doubting myself, my intelligence, and every choice Iāve ever made. Fortunately, Iāve been here a time or two when novel-writing, and I know the trick is to just keep going anyway. So, on I go!
What Iāve Loved Lately
I recently read Text Appeal by Kylie Scott, whoās an auto-buy author for me. This was such a delightful read ā if youāre into shows like Virgin River, small towns where everyone knows everyone (and knows everyoneās business!) then this oneās for you. It was the perfect escape.
News and Events
Weāre heading into Book Week here in Australia, so Iām going to be very, very busy, but not at public events! Thereās a couple of chances to see me this month, and one next month before I head off to Japan.
Melbourne: On 16th August, Iāll be at Flemington Library for a free talk on using science in your science fiction. You can book here.
Melbourne: On 28th August, Iāll be at Readings Emporium to host Alina Bellchambers in conversation about her new romantic fantasy The Weight of Crowns. You can book here.
Melbourne: On 18th September, Iāll be at Readings Kids to host Bianca Breen in conversation about her new YA spec fic, Made of Steam and Stardust. You can book here.
Giveaway
This monthās giveaway is for a copy of Ladyās Knight, signed by both yours truly and Meagan Spooner. I got Meg to sign it before she went home after Aussie tour, but you wonāt get another of these dual-signed copies in a hurry!
To win, leave a comment letting me know what youāve read lately that youāve loved ā and why, if youāre so inclined, though thatās not required to enter! I just like picking up book recs!
One answer will be randomly selected, and youāll be notified via the email you signed up to this newsletter with.
Thatās it from me for this month. Next month Iāll be back with more musings, and of course another giveaway. Happy reading!







I've recently read the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo and absolutely fell in love with it!
ironically I just finished the Aurora Cycle trilogy!! it was my first time reading and OH my gods itās literally one of my favorite series ever now <333