In February 2025, I paid a return visit to the Monday Group at Erskine Church, Burntisland. This time to give my favourite talk:
CURIOUS COINCIDENCES IN THE LIFE OF AN AUTHOR
As is the case of the majority of audiences, the talk was well received, and many came up to talk to me afterwards; always a good sign. This is not only my most fun talk, but it is adaptable to particular audiences. I introduced my talk, following a hymn and a prayer by the group leader, by talking about a curious coincidence in the previous 24 hours.
I had been listening to Songs of Praise on the Sunday and a particular hymn stuck in my mind, and I hummed it to myself that afternoon. For some reason I wanted to recall it on the Monday morning, but was irritated when I could not think of it. Lo and behold it happened to be one of the two hymns chosen to sing that very afternoon!
Here’s Susan Boyle singing it: Make me a channel of thy peace.
Of course, this particular anecdote would not be appropriate for many audiences, but if you can adapt like this, I believe you are truly talking from your heart.
EARLY FEMALE AVIATORS (AROUND WW1)
Rather than focussing on the background to one novel, or even a stand alone theme, like the last talk I gave this group earlier last year, Early Female Aviators (around WW1), about some amazing but unknown women of their time, this talk encompasses stories from the whole of my writing life.
I repeated Early Female Aviators to an equally appreciative audience in our Kinghorn Community Library last autumn, too.
On another occasion I was preparing for a talk to the Kirkcaldy Probus Group the following day when a wife of a member mentioned:
“You do realise Diana, that you will be giving your talk to about 50 men!”
I hadn’t realised, as it happened. I quickly read through my notes, inserting more factual information where I could, (hopefully not being too sexist here) The talk certainly went down well; the audience were happy that I referred to my notes occasionally to ensure accuracy, but really enjoyed the talk.
Obviously, talks at book launches tend to be shorter and more specific the the title being released.
Diana Jackson 