Tag Archives: writing

Half Way Through 2026 ~ Where am I now in my plans, hopes and dreams?

We have just passed the longest day and now is a time when we experience light for about 19 hours in Scotland, dependent on the weather. Here’s a general catch up in what I’m doing:

WIP

My current work in progress is complete (HOORAY!), has undergone proof-reading, editing for content, authenticity and copy. It has one more hoop to go through before publication, a cover designed and a date to set, probably in late autumn. I will not reveal the title as yet, only to share that it is the final book in my ‘Mystery Inspired by History series’ and, although stand-alone, the sequel to MISSING Past and Present.

MEANWHILE ADVENTURES…

Roger and I decided that 2026 would be a year of mini adventures, with old friends and new. Having moved to Fife ten years ago (11 year with a break of a year in between) we left special people down in Bedfordshire, but they were not forgotten. So far this year we have visited the Lake District, Gairloch, The Chelsea Flower Show, Arran and the Wirrel. With other adventures still to come, we are overwhelmed by the love and affection we feel with those we have shared these precious moments. It is heart-warming, albeit exhausting. I aim to share some of these trips with you on this blog in the coming weeks, as I await news of the publication of new novel.

FUTURE WRITING PLANS

I have one final book I would dearly like to write before I review the future, and that is the third book in my ‘Riduna Series’. I have begun the serious research for this novel, difficult to do so far away in Fife from the South Coast and the Channel Islands. Nevertheless I’ve made a start. Thus I will write more about these trips in due course. Apart from rough notes of events in history I would like to include, a reread of book two and a draft of the first chapter, this is very early days.

A BIG THANK YOU

A big thank you to those of you who have followed my writing journey from the outset and those new readers and casual visitors along the way. I would not have continued in good faith without you!

Photo by u0158aj Vaishnaw on Pexels.com

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Filed under Author Diana Jackson, Inspiration, MISSING Past and Present, Mystery inspired by history series, Publishing your novel, Research

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?

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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 …

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