July 2025 New Releases

G'day Author Growth family!

July brings us two absolutely cracking releases from our talented community members, and I couldn't be more chuffed to share them with you. This month's lineup showcases the beautiful diversity of our writing collective: from heartwarming literary fiction that'll have you ugly-crying on public transport to a practical guide that might just transform how you approach your daily life.

Remember, supporting fellow writers isn't just good karma; it's how we build a thriving community where everyone's work gets the recognition it deserves. When you buy their books, you're investing in the ecosystem that will support your next launch too.

Self-Published | Launches 28 July 2025

Feeling scattered? Overwhelmed? Ready to break free from reactive patterns that aren't serving you? Gunnar Habitz has written the antidote to our chaotic modern world.

Happy Habits isn't another perfectionist's guide to life optimisation. Instead, it's a refreshingly honest companion for anyone ready to create meaningful change through small, sustainable shifts. Drawing on modern behavioural science and real-world experience, Gunnar offers a practical framework: Pause, Plan, Practice, and Partner.

What sets this book apart is its acknowledgment that life gets messy - and that's okay. Whether you're climbing out of burnout or simply ready for a fresh start, Happy Habits meets you where you are and helps you build momentum that actually lasts.

As a Social Selling practitioner and storyteller based in Sydney, Gunnar brings a unique blend of corporate insight and personal authenticity to the self-development space. His approach feels less like another productivity guru and more like advice from a mate who's figured some things out.

Where to buy: Details here
Follow Gunnar: Subscribe to his Substack (I've recently connected with Gunnar through our Substack community, and his thoughtful approach to both business and personal growth consistently impresses me.)

Traditionally Published by Atlantic Books | Launches 1 July 2025 | AUD $32.99

What happens when your dead best friend emails you from beyond the grave? That's the brilliant premise behind Jessica Dettmann's latest novel, a story that Tim Minchin calls "Dettmann at her hilarious and heartwarming best."

Twenty years after losing her best friend Tess, Margot receives an impossible email that catapults her back to 2000 and the dreams she abandoned. Tess has left Margot the means to take their planned European adventure - but there's a catch. She must complete mysterious "tasks" alongside Leo, Tess's enigmatic stepbrother, while scattering Tess's ashes across London.

This isn't just another "what if" story. Dettmann has crafted something special here - a novel that explores the weight of unfulfilled promises, the complexity of long-term relationships, and the courage it takes to reclaim lost parts of ourselves. The stellar reviews speak for themselves, with Sally Hepworth calling it "Dettmann's breakout book" and Ben Elton praising her as "a storyteller at the top of her game."

Perfect for readers who love Marian Keyes and Liane Moriarty, this is the kind of book that makes you laugh out loud on one page and reach for tissues on the next.

Where to buy: Available at all good bookstores and online retailers
Follow Jessica: Subscribe to her Substack (I've had the privilege of knowing Jess and her husband for decades, and I can tell you: her wit and wisdom shine just as brightly in person as they do on the page.)

These launches represent exactly what Author Growth is about: supporting diverse voices and celebrating the courage it takes to put your work into the world. When you purchase these books, you're not just getting great reads; you're contributing to a culture where writers lift each other up.

Consider this your gentle nudge to practice some "writer karma." The community you support today will be there when your book hits the shelves tomorrow.

Both Jess and Gunnar are active in our Substack community, so don't forget to subscribe to their newsletters for behind-the-scenes insights, writing tips, and ongoing conversations about the creative life.

Happy reading!
Fleur x

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