When I wrote Just Keep Climbing, I hoped the stories about eight people overcoming their challenges would inspire a handful of people to deal with their own difficulties. I never anticipated the worldwide attention it is getting.
I’m delighted to announce that the book has been named the Best Self Help Book by the Africa Laureate Award panel. In their email they wrote:
“This distinction is conferred only upon books that demonstrates exceptional artistry, creativity, and a profound commitment to the craft of writing. Your book stood out to our panel of judges as a vital contribution to contemporary literature, and it is a profound honour for us to welcome you into the T.A.L.A. laureateship.”
Looking for a spark of hope to start the new year strong? Follow the paths of eight ordinary people as they face and overcome their challenges, or relentlessly continue to battle them in Just Keep Climbing. Read more about it here. Available from Amazon https://mybook.to/SIbl
All of a sudden, it’s the time of year again to offer seasonal greetings to you and your loved ones. I hope your preparations for the season are going well. Remember, if there are last-minute items to buy, books are always a great gift. The experts say that reading stimulates the brain, reduces stress, enhances knowledge, expands vocabulary, improves memory, etc. Let’s face it, sometimes we just want to be entertained, and reading does that, too. So, make sure you have some books under the tree for your loved ones. There are some on my list.
It has been a good year, thanks to you, the reader. Shadows of Truth, the fourth book in the Jake Scott Mystery Series, was launched in September. Just Keep Climbing was translated into Polish and is now available in bookstores in Poland. I loved meeting new readers and those coming back for the “next book” at the many signings, presentations, and interviews this year. One of the things that keeps me going is the feedback I receive through Goodreads, Amazon, social media, and face-to-face. It’s satisfying to know that readers get as much out of reading my books as I do from writing them.
For those who are grieving this holiday season, as many are, my wife Evelyn and I send our sincerest condolences. We lost two family members and two friends this year, and it’s tough. We’ll miss Marilyn, Art, Don, and Shirley. Life moves forward, and we are grateful for the time we spent with them and the positive influence they all had on our lives. Keep the memories of those you lost close.
Finally, I’m happy to say that a new Jake Scott mystery is percolating. This one will be back in Jake’s hometown of Ottawa, Canada, and he will manage to get himself in trouble again, much to the chagrin of his girlfriend, Dani. His temperamental cat, Oliver, will once again observe with disdain.
If you want to be updated each time I have news, sign up for my newsletter on the Home page at HOME – Barry Finlay – Author.
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As I close out the final post for 2025, I hope you have an enjoyable celebration with family and friends, and may the new year bring excellent health, new opportunities, and amazing achievements.
That’s probably not a headline you expected to read. It’s not something I expected, either, until a little over a year ago, but I’m very proud to announce that Just Keep Climbing is now available in Polish. If you or any of your friends read books in Polish, the buy link is:
The release of Shadows of Truth is two weeks away!
But … the official trailer is here, and it’s everything a gripping mystery should be: suspenseful, thrilling, and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Watch the trailer now and feel the suspense build!
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards once said something to the effect that sometimes you don’t have to write a song. You just have to be there to receive it. I feel the same way about writing a novel. The characters decide where they want to go. It’s up to the author to take them there. #writers#authors
Watch the trailer now and feel the suspense build!
A story of secrets, lies, and truths that refuse to stay hidden.
Will you be ready when the truth comes to light?
