Welcome to Paper Trails
A journey through stories, structure, survival, and the kind of romance that doesn’t behave.
Hi, I’m Nicky. I write emotional, character-driven romance — messy, layered, intimate stories that don’t always follow the rules. The kind where love is a slow unravelling, vulnerability is the real tension, and survival is its own kind of heat.
Paper Trails is where I leave pieces of my path: reflections on writing, emotional truth, pacing, betrayal, character arcs, and healing. Some posts are deeply personal, some are structured and practical, and some burn slowly until they catch fire.
You’ll find craft notes, early chapters, character discussions, and commentary on writing culture, all grounded in the belief that story is transformation.
I want this space to remind you: 💬 You don’t have to have a perfect life to create something beautiful.
💙 Even with a messy day job, responsibilities, grief, or self-doubt, your voice matters.
🔥 If I can do this imperfectly, so can you.
My upcoming novel, THE CODE WE BREAK, is for every woman who is tired of being the capable one and just wants a dangerous man to say, "I got you." The pre-order is live. You can claim your copy here and get ready for Maddox & Vivien.
Tired of helpless heroines? Meet Vivien, a fraud investigator who uncovers corporate conspiracies by day and makes BAD CHOICES by night. (very bad choices!! Or are they good…😈) It's like The Night Agent meets Mr. Robot with the emotional complexity of Homeland...but make it a romance where the surveillance feels like seduction instead of violation. 🖤
Psssss… there are some spicy chapters, but the story is rich with human complexity and the fragility of a new love.
What I Write About:
Writing Craft & Process
Tips, reflections, worksheets, structure talk, pacing breakdowns, and honest lessons from the messy middle.
(Full disclosure: some posts may be paywalled in the future.)
Sneak Peeks, Bonus Content, and Reader Influence
Early access to chapters, exclusive bonus scenes, and a chance to shape story details, like character names or which book comes next.
(This content will be for paid subscribers only.)
Books, Authors, and Pop Culture Commentary
From emotional breakdowns of favourite reads to thoughtful takes on industry drama. Expect reflections, interviews with other writers, and the occasional spicy opinion on whether the art survives the artist.
I have a website, but Substack is where my heart is, so you’ll find the updates here and all that jazz. If you’re curious, this is the terrible website I made myself.
Why Subscribe?
Because you want stories that feel like something.
Because you want honest craft advice without condescension.
Because you're building something too, and it's nice to have company.
Because you're tired of being perfect and polished and ready for real.
When you subscribe, you’ll get:
💭 Honest reflections on writing, creativity, and self-doubt
✍️ Craft tips, emotional pacing tools, and story structure breakdowns
📖 Sneak peeks of upcoming books and exclusive bonus scenes
🎭 Bold commentary on the writing world and storytelling in pop culture
🗣️ A chance to influence stories in development (character names, plot choices, and more)
Whether you’re here for the stories, the process, or the community, I hope you’ll stay.
Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives.
A Little More About Me
By day, I juggle a demanding full-time job.
By night (and early morning), I write soul-burning romances with morally grey love interests, fierce heroines, and characters who walk through a crucible of emotional healing to emerge stronger and more loved on the other side.
I live on a small island with my husband and our three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. I care for my ageing father. I write in the cracks of time. And after 15+ years abroad, I’m back in a country that doesn’t always feel like home.
I host a tiny writing community on Discord, The Quill & Chaos Society, a space for writers walking their own beautiful mess. You can find me on Threads sharing snippets of intense scenes, creative exercises, or short updates about my writing progress.
That’s why Paper Trails exists. This newsletter is an extension of that energy: honest, raw, and fiercely creative.
It’s not just about writing. It’s about survival. Hope. Fire. Finding your voice again. And again, and again. As long as it takes.
🖤 Subscription Options
If you want to support my work, get exclusive content, and join the chaos behind the scenes, here’s how:
✨ Free Tier – The Lurker Lounge
Occasional public posts, sneak peeks & reflections on writing. I’ll share what I learn as I learn it: messy, honest, and real.
🔥 Paid Tier – Certified Chaos Enabler (€5/month or €50/year)
For the readers who want more:
Access to subscriber-only spicy stories, mini-scenes & behind-the-scenes chaos
Full archive of past posts & exclusive sneak peeks
A front-row seat to my creative spiral as I write morally grey men, fierce heroines & revenge-fueled, healing romance
👑 Founding Member Tier – First to Burn
For the brave ones who want to be part of the story from the start:
Alpha access to my books & early draft chapters
Bonus spicy scenes & behind-the-scenes content
Occasional chaotic voice notes (Italian accent included)
Your name in my book acknowledgments
You’re First to Burn, the ones who get wrecked first & help me build this world.
This newsletter is a slow burn, quality over quantity, spice with soul. You’re not here for fast food. You’re here to be wrecked beautifully.
💌 Subscribe if you want to follow the journey or be part of it.
If you have commitment issues, I respect that! You can get me an espresso, and I’ll drink it in your honour.
Either way, I’d love to have you with me.
You can also contact me by email at nicky [at] nickydoyle [dot] com.
Nicky
