This How My 2025 Went
If you are reading this, you've got through another year. And it's been a busy year for me. Some lows but lots of highs.
I just received first year sales figures for my memoir Out From the Shadows and were they were decent but not best seller numbers. I’ll take it.
In October I conducted my last interview my last interview for my next book The Hidden Victims. That process began in March 2024 and involved 106 individuals from around the world. That last interview was with two sisters, one living in the US and the other in Israel.
I have sent out sections of the manuscript to those interviewed that have made it into the book for their approval.
I’m not sure how to describe it other than I went on a whirlwind tour of podcasts promoting my writing and taking about healing from trauma. This was likely one of the more impactful interviews.
For Toronto’s Holocaust Education Week, I was a webinar presenter with my friend Liz Moore where we discussed Holocaust Denial in the Digital Age. We hope to be able to find hosts that would be interested in similar presentations.
On the disappointing side, I have yet to find a publisher for The Hidden Victims. I thought I had a publisher ready to take on this book in the fall but it didn’t happen. Publishing is a rough and tumble process. You have to pick yourself up and keep going.
I had a bucket list trip in May to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe which included a land and water safari.
What are some of my plans for 2026?
I would like to get back to providing online workshops on memoir writing.
I'm hoping that my agent can finally find a publisher for The Hidden Victims.
I'm still pursuing opportunities to make a documentary out of The Hidden Victims.
I am going to be speaking at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center in Great Neck, New York for Holocaust Remembrance Day in April. There will be other events as well.
I just might start a new book.
Finally, I want to wish everyone a safe, health and prosperous 2026.
I can’t believe your book hasn’t been picked up yet. It is so compelling and you have laid so much promotional groundwork. I’m wishing you find your dream publisher very soon.
Hi Willie, FYI: I self-published my first book (a multicultural literary novel) a few months ago. Not easy but it got done and is now doing well on Amazon. The files have also been uploaded to IngramSpark so that libraries and bookstores can order it. I hired a good publishing coach to get me through the final steps and get everything uploaded. He's really good with the tech stuff that baffles me. (Prior to hiring him I already had the cover done by an artist but he has those people in his network and also does Amazon ads, promotions, etc.) Whatever stage you're in he can help -- it's on the expensive side but you'll know it's done right, and he's used to working with oldsters like us. My royalties have been almost nil compared to my expenses but at least the book is 'out there' and is resonating with people. If you want to go that route and would like further info, let me know. I think you have my email address, but if not you can use the contact form on my website jodiepine.com In any case, let's hope for a better year than the last one!