It has been a busy old writing year this year for me.

I am beginning to find my feet in the world of Book Signings and enjoyed a successful event in Sheffield, Sugar and Spice run by the talented author C.N. Marie. I was grateful to have the assistance of fellow author A.J. Roberts at that event.

I was also thrilled to be included in the line-up at Wonderland run by the Powerhouse who is author Annalee Adams. This event took place in Nottingham and fellow author Mollie Sykes joined me as my assistant this time.

In the middle of all these events I also had the opportunity to contribute to a charity anthology, The Ring. The supported charity was the The Reading Agency. It was interesting working with other authors and lovely to give something back.

I managed to persuade my long-suffering husband to act as roadie and assistant when I launched the second book in my series of Jane Renwick Thrillers at Authors Invade Scotland in Stranraer. My friend and fellow author T.D. Holland was there too. This event was run by authors V.L. Peters and Josephine Wrightson. Organising a Book Signing is a huge undertaking.

A particularly immense undertaking was Authors at the Armouries in Leeds organised by the inimitable Sarah Michelle Lynch. It was my first time attending this event and, although it ran over two days I only signed on the Saturday. I had immesurable help from Tiegan McPherson who transported all my books for me. Thank you Tiegan. And A.J. Roberts reprieved his role as my assistant for this event.

I hadn't long returned from Leeds when myhusband was pressed into service again as my lovely assistant for my return to the Auchterarder Book Festival. It is lovely to find more festivals and signings coming to Scotland. Readers must be sure to support them if they want them to survive.

Last, but by no means least was the joy that is Newcastle Noir organised by Dr Noir aka Jacky Gramosi Collins and run by Newcastle Libraries. I was thrilled to chair a panel comprising of Chris Lloyd, Christina Koning, Julie Anderson and Mary-Jane Cullen. What a delight my panel members were, and what excellent books they had written for us to discuss.

The following day I appeared on the panel chaired by Rob Parker alongside Heidi Amsinck and Sally Ann Martin. What a lovely chat we had. We even had time to discuss our books! At this event I also caught up with authors Guy Hale and Olga Wojtas. Newcastle Noir is always a great finale to my bookish year.

I consider myself very privileged to be invited to these events and never take it for granted. The work that goes in to bringing a festival or signing together is remarkable and those who undertake that for the benefit of readers and authors alike are amazing.

These events are fun to attend and a marvellous opportunity for authors and readers to come together. If you find there is one in your area, I highly recommend attending. Maybe I'll see you there.

I'll just finish by wishing my readers a happy time over the Holiday Season, however you celebrate and wish everyone a wonderful year in 2026.