2025 Baggage: Take it or leave it behind?

 This is my Insecure Writers Support Group post for January 2026.

Alex's awesome co-hosts this month are:

Shannon Lawrence, Olga Godim,

Jean Davis, & Jacqui Murray!

Please stop by their blogs and say thank you. 

💻💻💻💻💻

January question: Is there anything you added to your writing plans for 2026 that you couldn't get done in 2025?

I investigated going wide with my other pen name, and I've positioned myself to do it, but I haven't actually pushed the button. Besides lack of time and other projects taking priority, the learning curve of going from dealing with one retailer and their rules to multiple ones with different and sometimes conflicting rules makes my brain say, "Nope, nope, nope." 

I'll do it eventually.

On the publishing front...

I'm ducking into my writing cave every chance I get, trying to finish my current WIP. This is the first time I've put a book up for preorder before it was written. I'm not sure I like this type of motivation. LOL

On current events...

Amazon is in the process of rolling out its new "Ask This Book" feature in the Kindle app. This feature uses AI to let readers ask questions about a book and get instant, spoiler-free answers. It's available on iOS now and headed for other devices in 2026. 

Note: The AI will only answer questions about the portion of the book the customer has read.

Objections have obviously been raised by authors. A particularly strong one is the fact we can't opt out. Another is concern that the AI might 'hallucinate' an answer. 

For example, if the reader were to ask, "What color was the dress the MC wore to prom?", the AI would likely answer correctly. However, if the reader were to ask, "Why did the MC wear a green dress to prom?", the AI's answer could be problematic if it makes something up rather than simply replying, "The author doesn't give a reason why."

This is going to be a nailbiter to hide and watch.

Also from Amazon...

UPDATE: Starting the week of January 12, 2026, we’ll begin showing “Read Samples” for some eBook pre-orders on Amazon. We’ve updated the information below with the latest information.

Similar to the “Read Sample” feature that displays for books today, Amazon will test offering the same for pre-orders, starting the week of January 12, 2026. It’ll show a preview, up to 10% from your current manuscript’s content to engage potential readers.

Some key things to know:

• If a manuscript has not been uploaded to KDP, no reading sample will be shown on Amazon. You are not required to upload a manuscript to maintain your existing pre-order until 72 hours before your release date.
• If you’ve uploaded a final manuscript, no action is needed. A sample will be generated automatically from your book.
• If you have a draft manuscript in KDP that doesn’t represent your book, we recommend updating the file by January 7, 2026. If you need a placeholder, you can upload a “Coming Soon” manuscript. Keep in mind, final manuscripts are due 72 hours before your release date.
• If you don’t want to show a reading sample, you can ask us to remove it.

My understanding of this is: if you upload a placeholder interior file document for a book in preorder status, shoppers will now be able to see it, so make sure it's appropriate.

And... 

Starting January 20, 2026, KDP is changing its Digital Rights Management (DRM) rules. DRM-free e-books will begin allowing verified purchasers to download EPUB and PDF files directly, enabling broader device compatibility.

Some say this will make piracy easier. Others point out that DRM is simple to disable, and piracy is already easy if you know what to do.

Authors can go into their books' details to select the DRM-free option if they want readers to have EPUB/PDF downloads. They must choose DRM settings for each title, because older DRM-free books won't automatically enable downloads unless updated.

*Decide what you want before you go change anything, even price. Word on the street is KDP will make you answer the DRM question(s) before letting you save and exit.

The content of any title that was published with DRM will remain locked.

I was slow to get in the holiday spirit last year, but it turned out okay in the end.

How was your holiday?

What do you think about the Zon's changes?

What plans do you have for 2026?

Me...?  I plan to write book 3. 😊

❤❤❤❤❤

IWSG is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. It's a monthly bloghop that offers a safe haven for writers to express their feelings and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. It's also a venue for offering  support, both in the form of comments and positive posts. Writers of all kinds are welcome. 

We 'meet' the first Wednesday of every month. If you're interested in learning more, click on the link above. And don't be intimidated by the size of the group. We're not expected to visit everyone on the list.