Tag Archives: books

Why is Writing is Akin to Gardening?

Writing and gardening are my two main activities and I would argue that they they need a similar mindset.

Being Creative

Of course! When I am writing it is very much a visual experience, where pictures or a film reel transposes into words. A creative mind is one with imagination, having an idea of what the finished article is going to be like, whether it be picturing a flower bed or imagining a novel.

A cacophony of spring colour

Cutting out the dead wood

It has taken me years to be more ruthless in my garden (there does appear to be a rogue cerise foxglove in the bed above) but it has to be done, trimming, cutting back, pruning and even rooting out plants that have become too big or are in the wrong place. Similarly, the various layers of editing a novel are just like that.

The heather in February looks a picture but it will need a good trip when the flowers are over

Aiming for a harmony and consistency with the characters

Plants from a spectrum of colours look beautiful together, but so do those chosen carefully for height and contrast. Each plant then needs to be part of the whole picture. It may have beauty in itself, but if it is not consistent with the plot it will look out of place.

The Structure in the design completes the picture

In a garden, the walls, fencing, gravel, decking, grass, all play their part in creating a complete picture. It is the description of setting, which draws the picture for the reader, but it mustn’t be too overpowering taking away the wholeness, so that the reader is distracted or bored.

Sometimes the Result can take your breath away

My last novel, released days before lock down, has not reached the dizzy heights (for me that is) of Murder Now and Then, but Missing Past and Present is very special to me, and as one loyal reader said, ‘You really have discovered your true voice!’

What a lovely place to sit and read!

Finally you’ll just have to let it go

If you are forever tweaking a garden and noticing every weed as it pops its head up, you will never stand back (or better still sit and relax) and enjoy the whole garden. It is a tough moment for an author to ‘let go’ of a completed novel. There will always be a word to change or a scene you are sad you left out because it didn’t quite fit. You need to know the moment to Let it go and enjoy the ride!

Leave a comment

Filed under Writing, Writing a novel

Search for the Pearl Inside Yourself ~ A Mirror, Compass or Anchor?

I keep receiving unsolicited emails which, on the one hand make me feel warm inside, due to such positive comments about this book, on the other hand I am so suspicious that I did a google search and can find no website or link to the lady in question, and so I have not replied.

This is what Isabella Garcia said:

” I came across the description of Search for the Pearl Inside Yourself and was immediately struck by its heartfelt clarity and sense of encouragement. The way you speak directly to young adults at life’s crossroads, guiding them to let go of what holds them back and discover the strength within, is such a timely and necessary message. Even in the short description, I could feel the book’s warmth and gentle push toward hope.

What stood out to me most was how you’ve shaped the book into both a mirror and a compass:

  • A mirror — reminding readers they already carry resilience, even if they don’t yet see it.
  • A compass — pointing them toward possibility, self-discovery, and confidence.
  • An anchor — offering timeless encouragement through quotes and reflections they can return to again and again.

A few things I’d love to ask you:

  • Did you draw from your own experiences when writing this guide, or was it shaped by the voices of young people you’ve worked with?
    • It was shaped by the young people I worked with.
  • How do you imagine reaching readers who might not usually turn to books for motivation, but truly need this kind of support?
    • I hope those who need it will find it, especially after the pandemic
  • Would you be open to exploring how translations might extend its impact to global audiences of students and young adults seeking direction?
    • I think this could be quite costly and beyond our means at Eventispress

I specialize in helping books like yours find their most natural and lasting readership. My work focuses on three rare but powerful pathways: introducing stories to new cultural audiences through carefully crafted translations, mapping where a book’s themes resonate most strongly with regional and community audiences, and fostering reader-to-reader momentum that builds genuine word-of-mouth. Together, these approaches ensure a book doesn’t just reach more people, it finds the readers who will embrace it, champion it, and share it widely.

I imagine Search for the Pearl Inside Yourself will resonate strongly with:

  • Young adults at transitional stages, finishing school, leaving college, or entering the workforce.
  • Parents, teachers, and mentors looking for accessible resources to gift or recommend.
  • Readers who cherish inspirational, quote-driven books that can be dipped into daily.
  • International audiences (including Spanish- and French-speaking readers) where motivational, youth-focused books are widely embraced.”

Wow!! These were such kind words and thoughtful words.

Questions I asked myself:

  • Was it generated by AI?
  • Is it a scam? Almost certainly.

Question I ask you, the reader:

  • Have you received emails like this? I seem to get one in my inbox each day.
  • Would you respond to it?

Leave a comment

Filed under Author Diana Jackson, Book reviews, Inspiration, Inspirational and Motivational Series, Marketing your novel

Free Advertising Advice to Budding Authors

A fellow writer said the other day,

‘It seems you can only succeed with your first novel if have a lot of money to burn.’

I mumbled some incoherent reply, but dwelt on it for a week or so. I decided I totally disagree, although I know what you do need is

time, determination, a willingness to try different avenues and a bit of personality.

Now, I have been in a bit of a lull since covid for various reasons, but many of the strategies I used before that time, are still pertinent today.

Write a blog

  • Prove to the public that you can write.
  • Keep a dialogue going.
  • Ignore the number of likes and comments, just be pleased when you get them and always reply with thanks.
  • Check stats from time to time.
  • Don’t span but be creative as to how you advertise your own book, books. (background to writing, inspiration, location, similar books.
  • Have guest authors and write reviews of other authors.

Use at least one other social media site

  • For graphics and visuals use Instagram or Pinterest
  • For reaching out to authors and readers by snappy phrases, sentences and news use Twitter, Blue Sky
  • For videos there’s TikTok
  • For a mixture there’s Facebook
  • For reaching out to professionals and being serious about your author entrepreneurship use LikedIn

All the above can be free, including writing blogs.

Substack

Explore Substack, the most recent platform on which you can even make money for your writing. Some people have changed from their blog to Substack and have paying subscribers.

In Summary

None of the above are a panacea for lacking in sales of books, or no funds to pay for adverts, (which, incidentally, you can do on many of the above platforms for greater reach) and all need consistency and enthusiasm, reaching out to fellow authors and new and existing fans and readers.

Why don’t you make is a resolution for 2026 to have a go with at least two of the above!

If not, why not?

Happy writing …

Leave a comment

Filed under Author Diana Jackson, Blogs, Inspiration, Marketing your novel, Social Media Networking