My 5 predictions for 2026

Given I've written an entire fantasy series built on a prophecy, I think it's only right I share some of my own for 2026.

The following five predictions are hypothetical theories of mine, so please don't stake your reputation on them.

Oh, and they're not all rosy, so if you're feeling a little flat right now, I'd close this email and do something fun and relaxing.

(Like read my books 😉)

In no particular order:

1. There will be no more heirs in the Watson household this year. With two boys under two and plans to leave the UK later this year, Lady Laura and I would like to know what it means to sleep again.
   ​
   ​
2. Speaking of my home country, I don't see Keir Starmer lasting beyond the summer.​
   ​
   ​
3. I also don't see the talk of World War III calming down (I actually think we're already in it and have been for some time, but that's a topic for another day).
   ​
   ​
4. I predict more and more people will flee social media and race into fictional worlds to escape dramatic headlines. Netflix and novels will do well this year.​
   ​
   ​
5. I believe more and more authors will continue to follow in the steps of yours truly and set up their own Storehouses beyond the Eye of Amazon.

^ This last one's a biggie.

While yes, retailers are still a fantastic channel for readers and authors alike, I believe there's a shift happening beneath our feet.

There's a growing appetite for connection between author and reader — one without middlemen or crowded product pages — and a demand for work that subverts trends.

Then there are the almost unlimited options one can offer their patrons, like T-shirts, mugs, special edition hardbacks, bookmarks, jewellery.

The list goes on.

(Yes, I'm fully aware I offer almost none of these things right now. Remember that point I made about two kids under two? There's your reason.)

Speaking of creative offerings…

One such ware that Big Retailer wouldn't allow me to flog is my The Divided Region digital bundles, meaning you'd have to buy the titles individually (at a greater cost) and still wouldn't be able to access the digital world art that comes as an exclusive bonus.

I hear the boos loud and clear.

​

But luckily, at my Storehouse, you can.

​

In fact, you can start tucking into this bundle in the next few minutes if you so desire.

All you have to do is head on over here:

​https://djjwatsonstore.com/products/TDR-Bundle​

DJJW