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My two novels:

• The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia visit https://amzn.to/4pdZBbW and
• Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies visit https://amzn.to/49cMa5Q

Research book:

The Slow Evolution of Foster Care in Australia: Just like a family? (Palgrave Studies in the History of Childhood) by Nell Musgrove and Deidre Michell, visit https://amzn.to/48Yp5Fs

• The above three links are my Amazon Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

#Fictionwriting #Familyrelationships #FosterCare #FosterCareAustralia #FictionNovel #NewNovel #Fosterfamilies

A vanished mother, a departing father, and three children waiting in an empty house set the spark for my next novel. I’m starting the year by opening the door to book three, a story shaped by my maternal grandfather’s oral history and the fault lines it carved through generations. I share why I’m choosing fiction over memoir, how family accounts from my mother and her sisters guide the narrative, and what it means to honor facts while building scenes that carry emotional truth.

We journey to Ballarat at the turn of the 20th century—Jewish families adapting after the gold rush, a synagogue that still stands, and a boy named David whose childhood shatters when both parents vanish days apart. I break down the family fracture, the mayor’s intervention, and the uneven outcomes of foster placements that left one child abused, another bounced between homes, and a sister sheltered by luck. The heart of this episode explores resilience and anger living side by side: how a man can build a loving family and a successful business while never letting go of the fury he felt toward the adults who abandoned and mistreated him.

To ground the story, I pull back the curtain on my research into historical foster care in Australia, including insights from The Slow Evolution of Foster Care in Australia: Just Like a Family by Nell Musgrove and Deidre Mitchell. You’ll hear how period policy, placement practices, and social pressures help me avoid anachronism and sentimentality. We talk ethics, composite characters, and the craft choices that keep a narrative honest when memory is secondhand. If you’re drawn to historical fiction, family history, Jewish diaspora stories, or the craft of turning oral history into a novel, you’ll find a clear roadmap of where this project is heading.

Join me as I build a story about fracture, belonging, and the quiet endurance that outlasts harm. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves literary historical fiction, and leave a review telling me what questions you want the book to tackle next.

My Website and Social Media:

https://dianadirkbywrites.com

My Instagram: @dianadirkby_writings (https://www.instagram.com/dianadirkby_writings/)

My Facebook Page: Diana Dirkby Writings (https://www.facebook.com/DianaDirkbyAuthor)

My X-account: @dianadirkby (https://x.com/DianaDirkby)

My YouTube channel @DianaDirkbyWrites (https://www.youtube.com/@DianaDirkbyWrites)

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The Playlist "Fractured Ink: Writing in Life's Chaos (audio)" is available on many platforms, including my YouTube channel. I use BuzzSprout to process the audio files. The BuzzSprout website for the audio Podcast is: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467673

The Playlist "Fractured Ink: Writing in Life's Chaos (video)" is only available as a Playlist on my YouTube channel: https://tinyurl.com/m47nx39b

The Playlist "My Amazon Affiliate Links - Products for writing from home" is only available as a Playlist on my YouTube channel: https://tinyurl.com/ycv2j9kj (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)

My discontinued Podcast "Schizophrenia as I Live It" is still available. Its website on BuzzSprout is https://www.buzzsprout.com/2186769

#Podcast #Fiction #fictionwriting #memoirs #schizophrenia #Horrorthriller #Amazon #Amazondeals #Kindle #KindleDevices #WritingProducts #writing #mentalhealth

Two tracks, one creative mission: we’re drawing a clean line between story craft and gear talk so you get exactly what you came for. After experimenting with mixed episodes, we’re shifting to a clear structure that respects your time, your focus, and the way you like to learn.

Fractured Ink: Writing in Life’s Chaos now zeroes in on writing craft you can use today—fiction techniques, memoir insights, and lessons learned from the messy middle of real projects. We record in Zoom to deliver both audio and video, but every segment is designed to work if you’re listening on a run or watching at your desk. Expect practical strategies for scenes that move, point of view that clicks, revision methods that calm the chaos, and candid reflections from our own pages and from writers we admire.

Our affiliate reviews move to a dedicated, video-only YouTube playlist because tools deserve visuals. When we compare microphones, lighting, or keyboards, you’ll see the setup, hear real tests, and get frank takes on what’s worth buying. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, and we’ll keep opinions clear and grounded in daily writing use. That separation means you can binge deep craft without stopping for unboxings—or jump straight to gear when you’re upgrading your workspace.

You’ll find Fractured Ink as an audio podcast distributed via Buzzsprout across major platforms and as a video version on YouTube. The product review series lives separately on YouTube, organized for easy browsing. We’ll still mention relevant tools on the craft feed when they support a technique, and we’ll keep links transparent and useful. Subscribe, share with a writer friend, and tell us what you want next—what craft problem should we tackle, or what tool should we test?

My published books

“The Overlife: A Tale Of Schizophrenia,” by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/454WgW6.) #ad #commissionsearned The link is an Amazon Affiliate Link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)

“Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies,” by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/42Z81KY. ) The link is an Amazon Affiliate Link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

My Website and Social Media:

https://dianadirkbywrites.com

My Instagram: @dianadirkby_writings (https://www.instagram.com/dianadirkby_writings/)

My Facebook Page: Diana Dirkby Writings (https://www.facebook.com/DianaDirkbyAuthor)

My X-account: @dianadirkby (https://x.com/DianaDirkby)

My YouTube channel @DianaDirkbyWrites (

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You can go ahead and follow my Amazon Affiliate links below to find the corresponding product on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1) Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition: https://amzn.to/4rZTaf9
2) Amazon's Kindle Color-Soft Signature Edition case: https://amzn.to/4s0F64Y
3) CoBak Case for 7" E-Readers: https://amzn.to/48DTGIa
4) Supershieldz (3 Pack) Anti-Glare (Matte) Screen Protector for Kindle Colorsoft: https://amzn.to/4oWzXIA
5) Amazon 9W Official OEM USB Charger and Power Adapter for Fire Tablets, Kindle eReaders, and Echo Dot: https://amzn.to/4qcayeW

6) Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition User Guide : Display, Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition User Guide : Display, Highlights and Notes, Troubleshooting, Accessibility and Battery Saving Tips for Beginners by Susan Powell:chttps://amzn.to/48Vv5x9https://amzn.to/48Vv5x9

#Kindle #KindleColorsoft #KindleColorsoftSignatureEdition #KindleScribe #KindleScribeColorsoft #Kindledevices #Kindleapp

Color that calms instead of shouts. That’s the promise of the Kindle ColorSoft Signature Edition, and we put it to the test with real books, real accessories, and a few real surprises—like which titles quietly refuse to download and how to fix it without leaving the Kindle ecosystem.

We start with the core of ColorSoft: a custom color e‑ink stack designed for soft, paper-like tones rather than neon saturation. After dialing in brightness, the display makes covers, comics, maps, and charts feel clearer while staying gentle on the eyes. I unpack where color adds value—highlights in multiple hues, cleaner visual structure in non‑fiction—and where a monochrome Kindle used to fall short. Then we get practical about the two models. The Signature Edition’s double storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting front light aren’t flashy features; they’re the quiet upgrades that make daily reading smoother, especially for large libraries and Audible downloads.

There’s also a frank look at compatibility. Some fixed-layout and enhanced editions won’t install on ColorSoft or Scribe, a quirk that catches many buyers off guard. I show the simple workaround: keep the Kindle app on a Fire tablet or your phone so those edge‑case titles still live in your library. From there we dive into the reading experience: organizing with collections, tweaking themes and fonts, typing notes from highlights, and flipping seamlessly between reading and listening with Bluetooth headphones. Accessories get their due—covers, screen protectors, and travel cases—so you can protect the display without dulling color or adding glare.

If you create with pen, I explain why Scribe still pairs beautifully with ColorSoft—one for handwriting and document review, the other for comfortable, color-rich reading. If you’re deciding whether to upgrade, you’ll get clear criteria to choose between the standard model and the Signature Edition, plus when a sale on non‑color Scribe might be the smarter buy. Enjoy a grounded tour of what color e‑ink does well, where it still has limits, and how to get the most from the Kindle ecosystem without overpaying. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—what would make color e‑ink a must‑have for you?

My published books

“The Overlife: A Tale Of Schizophrenia,” by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/454WgW6.) #ad #commissionsearned The link is an Amazon Affiliate Link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)

“Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Th

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Amazon Affiliate Links: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Kindle Fire Max 11: https://amzn.to/48SqFaF
Made for Amazon Stylus: https://amzn.to/44nfOnH
Amazon Fire 11 Keyboard Case: https://amzn.to/4rWdTk8
KEFBWAO Kindle Fire Max 11 case (for tougher protection): https://amzn.to/454Wxrd

#Kindle #KindleDevices #KindleFire #KindleFireMax11 #Amazonstylus #AmazonKeyboardCase #Amazon #AmazonApps

A tablet that reads like a Kindle and works like your daily driver can actually exist—and the Kindle Fire Max 11 makes a strong case for it. We share why we upgraded from an older Fire, what changed our reading and note‑taking habits, and how a simple accessory bundle turns this device into a lightweight workstation you can carry anywhere.

First, we break down the hardware and comfort: the 11‑inch display, the surprisingly light feel, and the magnetic stylus that snaps into place. The stylus has an eraser button that works with some apps. Then we get hands‑on with the keyboard case that needs no pairing and doubles as a stand, shifting the Fire Max 11 from a couch reader to a compact writing setup in seconds. From streaming video and browsing newspapers to checking email and Microsoft 365, the Amazon Appstore covers the essentials, and you can still sideload if you crave more.

Reading remains the heart of the story. Inside the Kindle app, we demo highlights, sticky notes, and a clean annotation panel that keeps thoughts organized across chapters. Handwriting‑to‑text works well with the hex‑grip stylus, while on‑screen and physical keyboards make longer notes painless. We also explore Writing Assist—proofreading, rewrites, tone changes, and concise summaries—which helps shape book notes for study, sharing, or memory. If you live in PDFs and layered pen tools, a Kindle Scribe might still be your best friend; if you want one device for reading plus apps, the Fire Max 11 hits the sweet spot. Many readers will find that owning both devices covers every scenario without compromise.

Ready to see whether the Fire Max 11 fits your workflow? Listen now, check the affiliate link in the notes, and if the guide helps, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a quick review so others can find it.

My published books

“The Overlife: A Tale Of Schizophrenia,” by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/454WgW6.) #ad #commissionsearned The link is an Amazon Affiliate Link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)

“Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies,” by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/42Z81KY. )#ad #commissionsearned The link is an Amazon Affiliate Link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

My Website and Social Media:

https://dianadirkbywrites.com

My Instagram: @dianadirkby_writings (https://www.instagram.com/dianadirkby_writings/)

My Facebook Page: Diana Dirkby Writings (https://www.facebook.com/DianaDirkbyAuthor)

My X-account: @dianadirkby (https://x.com/DianaDirkby)

My YouTube channel @DianaDirkbyWrites (https://www.youtube.com/@DianaDirkbyWrites)

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My Amazon affiliate links:
1) Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft 32GB (newest model): https://amzn.to/3Yp4tzK
2) Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft 64GB (newest model):
https://amzn.to/452HtKG
3) Amazon Kindle Scribe without Front Light 16GB (newest model): https://amzn.to/4oKuS60

#Kindle #KindleScribe #KindleScribeColorsoft #KindleScribeWithoutFrontLight #Amazon #KindleDevices

New Kindles always spark temptation, but a smarter choice starts with how you actually read and write. We unpack the Kindle Scribe ColorSoft—its color e‑ink display, faster performance, pen latency, and cloud syncing—and weigh it against the upcoming non front light Scribe that trims cost and weight for a more paper‑pure experience in bright settings. Rather than hype, we focus on the tradeoffs that matter: when color improves comprehension, when front light is essential, and when a lighter device makes long note‑taking sessions easier on your hands.

We walk through real‑world use cases to cut through the noise. If you live in comics, textbooks with diagrams, or color‑coded notes, the ColorSoft’s palette and large canvas add practical value. If you mostly read prose and draft in well‑lit rooms, the non front light model’s better contrast, longer battery life, and lower price might be the better fit. We also explore timing: rumored 2026 software upgrades like dark mode and AI reading tools will reach recent Kindles via updates, so there’s a case for waiting if budget matters—or buying now if color helps you produce and learn today.

You’ll also hear candid comparisons to alternatives like smaller color e‑ink readers and the iPad mini with a stylus, plus a simple decision framework based on environments—bed reading and red‑eye flights versus daylight desks and classrooms. Our take: let your daily habits, not launch buzz, pick the winner. Enjoy a clear, level‑headed guide to choosing your next reading and writing companion and avoid buyer’s remorse.

If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the show with a friend who’s Kindle‑curious, and leave a quick review telling us which model you’re leaning toward.

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Here is what I have found out so far about the new device. The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is Amazon's first color e-ink version of the Kindle Scribe note-taking device. It features an 11-inch Colorsoft display for vibrant colors in notes, comics, and highlights, along with a front light, AI-powered note tools, and integration with services like Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. The pen supports 10 writing colors and 5 highlighting options, and the device is thinner (5.4) and faster (40% speed boost) than previous models. It starts at $629.99 for 32GB in Graphite (click) and will be available for purchase in the US starting December 10, 2025, with no preorders. A Fig (purple) variant is expected in early 2026.

#Kindle #NewKindleDevice #KindleScribe #KindleColorSoft #KindleScribeColorsoft #Amazongadgets

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My Amazon Affiliate Link to the HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e: visit https://amzn.to/4ol3oDH
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e is an absolute standout in the world of small-office and home-office printers. With lightning-fast print speeds of up to 25 ppm in black and 20 ppm in color, razor-sharp 1200 dpi resolution, and vibrant, smudge-resistant HP inks, it delivers professional-quality documents and photos that rival far more expensive machines. Its automatic two-sided printing and scanning, 35-page auto document feeder, and expansive 4.3-inch color touchscreen make workflows effortless, while the generous 500-sheet paper capacity means far fewer interruptions. Add in rock-solid wireless connectivity, HP Smart app integration, mobile printing, and six months of Instant Ink included, and you have a remarkably reliable, cost-effective all-in-one that punches well above its price class. For anyone needing speed, quality, and convenience without compromise, the OfficeJet Pro 9135e is simply one of the best choices on the market today.

#CyberMonday #AmazonDeals #HPPrinter #PrinterDiscount #HPOfficeJetPro #Photoprinter #Documentprinter

My published books

“The Overlife: A Tale Of Schizophrenia,” by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/454WgW6.) #ad #commissionsearned The link is an Amazon Affiliate Link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)

“Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies,” by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/42Z81KY. )#ad #commissionsearned The link is an Amazon Affiliate Link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

My Website and Social Media:

https://dianadirkbywrites.com

My Instagram: @dianadirkby_writings (https://www.instagram.com/dianadirkby_writings/)

My Facebook Page: Diana Dirkby Writings (https://www.facebook.com/DianaDirkbyAuthor)

My X-account: @dianadirkby (https://x.com/DianaDirkby)

My YouTube channel @DianaDirkbyWrites (https://www.youtube.com/@DianaDirkbyWrites)

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Here are my Amazon Affiliate Links for this episode. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1) Scriveiner Silver Chrome Fountain Pen, visit: https://amzn.to/48Ina7y
2) Travel case for Kindle Fire Max 11, visit: https://amzn.to/3KnPL8Q
3) Jankow leather pen case holders, visit: https://amzn.to/4ooZxWc

4) Stylus pen for Kindle Fire Max 11, visit: https://amzn.to/4roUcBb

A good tool can change how a story unfolds. Today I share the small but mighty upgrades powering my writing routine: a new medium‑nib fountain pen for smoother longhand sessions, a tougher standing case for the Kindle Fire Max 11, and its simple stylus that makes highlighting and quick notes painless. None of it is flashy for its own sake; each choice solves a real problem and helps me move faster from spark to finished page.

The heart of my novel in progress is inspired by my grandfather, who grew up in foster care in Australia around 1900. To bring that world to life, I’m building a research stack that goes beyond a single source: one excellent book led me to its bibliography, and today I picked up three related titles on discount to deepen context—policy, daily life, and the social fabric that shapes characters and conflict. Historical fiction needs this scaffolding; even when the plot is imagined, the streets, customs, and pressures should feel true.

I also break down where analog and digital meet. The medium nib opens line variation that keeps ideas flowing with a different rhythm to a fine point, while sturdy PU‑leather protection and slim pen sleeves keep both fountain pens and styluses safe in a bag. On the tablet side, the Fire Max 11 stylus won’t replace a Kindle Scribe’s premium pen features, but paired with a reliable case, it becomes a research board I can prop up, annotate, and carry everywhere. Throughout, I’m honest about what counts as a necessity—research books, travel protection—and what’s a personal indulgence that still earns its keep.

If you want to explore the exact items mentioned, I’ve included affiliate links in the show notes, which also help support the show at no extra cost. If this resonates, subscribe, share the episode with a writer friend, and leave a quick review telling me your favorite tool for first drafts.

#CyberMonday #AmazonCyberMonday #AmazonDeals #ScriveinerFountainPens #Kindle #KindleFireMax11 #KEFBWAOKindleCase #LuxuryFountainPens

My published books

“The Overlife: A Tale Of Schizophrenia,” by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/454WgW6.) #ad #commissionsearned The link is an Amazon Affiliate Link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)

“Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies,” by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/42Z81KY. )#ad #commissionsearned The link is an Amazon Affiliate Link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

My Website and Social Media:

https://dianadirkbywrites.com

My Instagram: @dianadirkby_writings (https://www.instagram.com/dianadirkby_writings/)

My Facebook Page: Diana Dirkby Writings (https://www.facebook.com/DianaDirkbyAuthor)

My X-account: @dianadirkby (https://x.com/DianaDirkby)

My YouTube channel @DianaDirkbyWrites (https://www.youtube.com/@DianaDirkbyWrites)