Tag Archives: Glasgow

June 9, 2026 · 9:08 am

It’s Not Where You Start by Scott Kyle ~ Diana Jackson’s June Review

I was fortunate to go to Kirkcaldy Waterstones to meet Scott Kyle, who entertained us with
amazing animations of the early part of his life, video clips of films, TV shows and even an advert
he’s been up in the Highlands.
He was a born entertainer, but the friend who took me is a social worker and encouraged me
because ‘the author has become a foster parent.
Well, that description is truly an understatement!
As a teacher of under-privileged children and young adults most of my working life, Scott’s heart-
warming, and at times heart breaking, account of his life, from tough times of having little or nothing in the back streets of Glasgow, he has become an actor in various films, the most notable to me was
Outlander.
Please read more about his achievements here.

His biggest baby, his words and not mine, was producing the play ‘I’m No Billy, He’s a Tim’, in various formats to audiences worldwide, including to 3,000 people at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow.

Having said that, he admits, his most rewarding tole in life has been as a foster parent!

‘I bought this book on Thursday, was out all day Saturday and finished it Sunday afternoon! This honest autobiography would appeal to film, TV and theatre lovers including Outlander, football fans, including those thinking of fostering children. It is also a tale of encouragement to all in the arts, from actors to writers with the message,

FOLLOW YOUR DREAM. NEVER GIVE UP AND GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT.

Thanks Scott for a great evening and a book which will live on in my memory.

It’s Not Where You Start

is available at

Waterstones

Luath Press

Amazon

Glasgow Book Club

A recent very convincing email arrived in my inbox:

Julia writes

“Hello Diana Jackson,

At The Glasgow Book Club, we often find ourselves talking about stories that linger long after the last page, the ones that mix emotion, history, and the unexpected in ways that keep readers thinking.

Missing, Past and Present became part of that conversation. Your portrayal of Dorothy’s journey haunted by loss, seeking answers, and guided by echoes of the past felt immersive and deeply human. The mystery and the ghostly presence didn’t just entertain; they invited reflection on resilience, memory, and the traces of history in our own lives.

We’d love to invite you to a relaxed virtual author spotlight with our readers a space for an honest conversation about your story, your inspiration, and the ideas behind this series.

If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to share more details.“

The positives

This email struck a chord with me because it really sounded as if the author had read MISSING Past and Present. At a point in the novel the location actually is in Glasgow, and those chapters always make me smile (as do the ever friendly Glaswegians!)

I liked the thought of a virtual author spotlight rather than racing over the Forth Bridge and along the motorway to Glasgow.

The alarm bells

There doesn’t actually appear to be a Glasgow Bookclub.

The Meetup website is one I’ve received from emails in the USA as well as the UK and have little on them.

There are messages on Reddit and Facebook warning of similar scams from the Glasgow Bookclub.

Conclusion

Sadly another scam. The only thing I can say is that, momentarily, it lifted my spirits, before sense prevailed.

If, however, you are a member of a Book Group in Glasgow and you would be interested in me having a chat on Zoom, I would be delighted to hear from you through my contact page on this blog.

Contact and Giveaway

I’ve just received another email from The Glasgow Bookclub:

“Hi Diana,

I’m David Hartley, and I run the Glasgow Book Club, a small group of readers who engage with books that spark honest reflection and meaningful conversation.

I recently came across The Other Woman Was His Mother, and reading the premise made a strong impression on me. The way you explore emotional enmeshment, control, and the hidden dynamics within relationships feels both powerful and confronting. It’s the kind of subject our readers would approach with curiosity, especially the personal insight and clarity you bring to it.

We would love to invite you to a short Google Meet spotlight session. It’s a relaxed, reader-led conversation where you can share your perspective and experiences, completely free, and you answer only what you feel comfortable with.

If this feels like something you’d be open to, I’d be happy to share more details and arrange a time that works best for you.

Warm regards,

David Hartley“

I have never written a book called The Other Woman Was his Mother!!!!!

I wish there was a way to filter out emails written using AI. It would stop my inbox getting clogged up.

Diana’s August Book Review ~ The Paper Cup by Karen Campbell

I stumbled upon this delightful novel in Waterstones and have added it to my ‘signed books’ collection, to treasure or share with others. In fact, I enjoyed it so much when I first read it a year ago that I picked it up again the other day ~ savouring its detail this time and moments I had long forgotten.

Kelly is homeless and living on the streets of Glasgow. The harsh realities of her life of drink and drug abuse does not hide her beautiful soul. At times she pushed away family, friends and even strangers, who saw glimpses of the real Kelly and wanted desperately to help.

I loved the way she stumbled on a Pilgrimage. I loved her honesty, but also her generosity in times of sheer poverty, seeing the needs of others beyond her own. Above all I loved her inherent goodness, not saying Kelly was a saint. By all means no! Beyond the cold, the wet, the hunger and fear of her addictions, it was her connection with humanity which was so heart warming.

A magical book which I’m sure I shall read again.

Here’s a review in The Scotsman

At Waterstones

On Amazon

If you’d like to read a book with similarities to The Paper Cup then why don’t you try mine:

MISSING Past and Present ~ Is Life Just a Roll of a Dice

Tag Archives: Glasgow

It’s Not Where You Start by Scott Kyle ~ Diana Jackson’s June Review