This Is Your Quest – The Director’s Cut

Every now and then I remember that I once wrote a book… Not an ebook. Not a “How -to -Change -Your -Life -in -a Week” kind of book. A proper, honest-to-goodness, nearly 300-page book titled: “This Is Your Quest.”

Sometimes I pick it up from the shelf flicker through the pages, and think: “You know that is actually rather good!” I then I immediately remind myself that I’m probably biased. After all… I wrote it.   Fortunately, I am not the only one who thinks so.

A Review That Still Makes Me Laugh

Over the years, I’ve received some lovely reviews, but one has always held a special place in my heart because it begins with what sounds like a complete demolition of the entire self-help genre.

The reviewer wrote: “This Is Your Quest is a self-help book. I despise the phrase because it describes pop-psych, hippy nonsense, espousing spiritual mantras and tapper colonic irritation. If those are the tools for leading a kinder, simpler life, then so be it. However, if you want to read a book, you need something a bit more cerebral. This Is Your Quest is nothing like any other self-help book you will come across. It is an enlightening delight that defies the genre; well-written, insightful, and ever so sincere. The approach is individual, the words have depth, and the message is uplifting and thoughtful…”

When someone starts by declaring their hatred of self-help books… and still ends up recommending yours… I’ll take that as a win.

The problem with books in 2026

There is just one tiny problem: modern life. Let’s be honest. Most of us struggle to finish reading the instructions on the back of a hair dye bottle, never mind sitting down with a 300-page book.

We are busy. We’re distracted. We’re interrupted every twelve seconds by notifications, emails, videos, breaking news, or a cute cat wearing glasses. So asking people to read an entire book today feels a bit like inviting them to build a medieval castle over the weekend! Possible… only in your dream.

Time for the Director’s Cut

Which brings me to an idea I’ve been quietly plotting. Instead of leaving This Is Your Quest sitting peacefully on a bookshelf, I am going to bring it back to life. Chapter by chapter. Idea by idea.

I’ll revisit the original text, polish it where necessary, sprinkle in something new I’ve learned since writing it, and don’t worry, I’ll keep it short and sweet.

Think of it as … This Is Your Quest – The Director’s Cut

Same story. Sharper perspective. A few extra plot twists. And because life is serious enough already… a little more light-heartedness.

How on earth did I end up writing a book?

People occasionally ask me: “Joanne, how on earth did you become an author?”

It is an excellent question. Short answer? Because I have an alarming number of things to say about people. About psychology. About history. About courage. About freedom. About human nature. About why we do wonderfully clever things… and spectacularly ridiculous ones.

In fact, the preface of my book is ten pages long! Yes… it took me ten pages to explain to my readers why I decided to write the book in the first place.  

So, as promised… I’ve kept this introduction short and sweet. You’re welcome.

So, Shall We begin?

Whether you’ve already read the book… or whether this is your very first encounter with This Is Your Quest, I’d love you to join me.

Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll explore the ideas together, one chapter at a time. Some posts will make you think. Some will make you cry. Some will make you laugh. Some might quietly change the way you look at the world. 

Together, we will be able to wander off on interesting tangents whenever inspiration strikes.

After all, every great adventure starts with someone deciding to take the first step. So come on board. Pack your curiosity and let’s see where This Quest takes us.

I have a feeling it is going to be one heck of an adventure.

With Gratitude, Caffeine & a Plot Twist

Joanne Reed

Head of Story Operations