​🎆 And Then It Was the End! (At Least to 2025)

It feels like only yesterday that it was January and I made the big decision to finally publish my book. I found a publishing company that felt like the right match, but looking back, I didn't have a clue how the process actually worked! Was I naive? Probably. Would I have done things differently? Definitely.

​But that is the path I walked. At the end of the day, my book is out in the world and it has been read—not just by family and friends, but by complete strangers who decided to give it a shot.

​​​​​👶 A New Addition

On a personal note, the highlight of the year was welcoming a new addition to the family. My daughter brought our second grandson, Luca, into the world! He is four months old today and has been a wonderful bright spot in our lives.

​​📈 The Business of Books

However, Bookfunnel has been a revelation. Being 2nd in views out of 105 books—some by Amazon bestsellers—proves one thing: my new cover and blurb work. They are converting interest into readers.

​⭐ The Review Waiting Game

​Since the release of An Irish Mystery, many things have changed. The most important was the new book cover. It wasn't in the original budget, but this month’s downloads and sales prove it was worth it. I truly don't think I would be seeing these numbers with the old cover.

​🤒 A Rough Christmas

Christmas wasn’t great this year; I’ve been ill through the whole period and am only just starting to recover. My energy is low, and a chesty cough has been dragging me down.

​On top of being unwell, a recent 1-star rating hit me hard. While people tell me they are enjoying the book, those "good" reviews are sometimes harder to come by than the negative ones. Currently, I have 12 ratings on Amazon.co.uk, but two of those are 1-stars. It seems people are much more inclined to leave a review when they have a complaint, while those who enjoy it are a bit more reluctant!

​​📊 December by the Numbers

​I don't usually share specific KDP earnings, but I can say this month has exceeded expectations. My plan was to get the book out there and build a foundation for 2026.

• ​Bookfunnel: Joining a promo where readers exchange an email for a book was a huge success.
• ​Smashwords: I joined their end-of-year sale with low expectations for the UK market, but it has been a pleasant surprise.
• ​Amazon Ads: I’ve been tweaking my ads daily, and the results have surprised me.

​I originally hoped for 100 new readers this month. As of today, I have had 151 downloads across all platforms, plus 24 paperbacks to my local book club and one surprise paperback sale this week!

​🚀 What Can We Expect in 2026?

The short answer: Book 2 is coming. When? I'm not sure yet. The release date is dictated by the cover, and the cover is dictated by when I’m ready to hit the "pay" button! My main goal for 2026 is to secure more high-quality reviews. These reviews are the lifeblood of a series, and they will determine the future of the Newman Adventures.

​​📚 What Am I Reading? 

​🕯️ Stone of Fire by J.F. Penn

​​I am still sitting at about 30% through Stone of Fire by J.F. Penn. Honestly, with being so ill over the Christmas period, I haven’t had the energy to read any more of it. It is a great story with a real Steve Berry vibe, so I’m frustrated I’ve had to put it down! Hopefully, over the next few days as I start to feel more like myself, I can pick it back up and get back into the mystery.

​​🎁 Final Call: December Promotions!

Today is your very last chance to grab these deals before the new year officially begins. If you haven't loaded up your e-reader yet, now is the time!

​🎟️ BookFunnel: "Free Tickets to Mystery & Adventure!"

​Today, December 31st, is the final day for this massive promo. You can find my book alongside 104 other titles available for free download.

Link: Click here for BookFunnel

​🎆 Smashwords End of Year Sale

​The Smashwords sale finishes tomorrow, January 1st. You can get An Irish Mystery for free, and browse thousands of other books reduced by 25% to 75%.

Link: Click here for Smashwords