My name is Jean Sasson, and I would like to talk with you for a few minutes if you can spare me the time.
After decades of writing about girls and women whose stories might otherwise never be told, I am trying to complete two of the final six books of my life’s work – and I admit that I cannot do it alone.
Perhaps you have read some of my books. I have written thirteen non-fiction true stories about women of the world, as well as one historical fiction novel that won the hearts of millions of readers. The title of that historical fiction is Ester’s Child. The most famous non-fiction book I wrote was titled Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia. A bold and brave Saudi princess won the hearts of millions when she fearlessly fought for women to be free in her country of Saudi Arabia. If you were a supporter of Princess Sultana, I would thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Over the course of a long and fulfilling life of traveling the world and meeting people from many countries and cultures, I have discovered that there is no joy greater than helping others. I have been fortunate to have had the pleasure of spending my life helping those in need, whether by telling the life stories of girls and women whose stories might otherwise never be told, or by passing along funds to help feed families or buy clothes and toys for orphans who had lost their families.
For decades, I have devoted my writing life to telling stories that might otherwise have been forgotten, overlooked, or left untold. My books have brought readers into private worlds and difficult realities, exploring women's lives, hardship, resilience, courage, and survival. Over the years, readers have told me that these books stayed with them, opened their eyes, and deepened their understanding of lives very different from their own.
Although I have plans to write six more books, the two that I must write first are listed below. They are an important part of the closing body of work from a lifetime of writing, listening, remembering, and bearing witness. I believe they are among the most personal and meaningful books I have undertaken.
Book Fifteen:
Born on the Fourth of July
and
The Fireworks Never Stopped
This is my memoir, and it is the most personal book I have ever written. It tells the story behind my work: my life, my travels, the people I met, the experiences that shaped me, and the events whether painful, extraordinary, or unforgettable =that led me to write the books readers have known for many years.
This memoir will also share private struggles, adventures, and defining moments from my writing life. I have completed five chapters and am continuing work on the manuscript. My current expectation is that this project will move forward on a timeline that supports publication in 2027, though publishing timelines can change.
Book Sixteen:
The Bird Woman of Riyadh
This book comes from another side of my life and heart. Throughout the years, I have found it difficult to walk away from an animal in need. I have rescued birds, cats, dogs, rabbits, ducks, horses, ponies, cows, pigs, chickens, opossums, raccoons, and more. Some of these stories are tender, some surprising, and some unexpectedly adventurous.
I have a completed outline on this book so the writing will go more rapidly than usual as all the stories of suffering animals I saved will never leave my mind.
This book will share those true stories and the compassion that inspired them.
Campaign Summary
WHY I NEED YOUR SUPPORT:
Now I know what it feels like to ask for support. I am not complaining. In fact, it is not a bad thing to see both sides of life. Now you might ask: Why do I need your support? I will be open and honest: Like many Americans, the enormous cost of medical bills during the last few years of a person’s life can be financially crippling. I had the pleasure of taking care of four elderly people whom I loved after they became bedridden, of which two were my parents, and one was my husband. I was pleased to soften their passing, but it was necessary to spend my savings to pay the significant health care bills for my loved ones.
During the five years I was sitting by the bedside of those I loved, it was impossible to write books. And my savings were spent on the most important thing in life, which is the lives of those we love. For several years, my writing was interrupted while I cared for loved ones through illness, decline, and loss. I gave that time with love, but it came at a deep emotional and financial cost. Like many others, I also faced serious medical and personal expenses that depleted the resources I would otherwise have devoted to the final phase of my work. Now I am ready to return to writing with full commitment. What I need is practical support that will allow me to focus on completing these books responsibly and with care.
My fundraising goal is $100,000. I understand that this is an ambitious amount, but long-form memoir and serious nonfiction require sustained time, focus, revision, and preparation. This campaign will help provide the support needed to continue writing and preparing these final books for publication.
Your generous contributions will help me complete two important books with care and prepare them for the next stage of publication. Without your support, two important books will be postponed.
What Your Support Will Help Make Possible
● Complete two of the final six books of my writing career
● Dedicate focused time to writing, revision, and preparation
● Cover practical costs connected to completing major book projects
● Preserve stories that deserve to be recorded and remembered
● Finish a lifetime of work with care, purpose, and dignity
This campaign is about more than funding. It is about helping important stories reach the readers who are waiting for them.
Rewards for Supporters
To thank those who support this campaign, I will offer a range of rewards depending on pledge level, including:
● Signed bookplates
● Signed copies of upcoming books after publication
● Signed copies of select previously published books, subject to availability
● Book bundles for supporters and gift-giving
● Small author-selected bonus items for certain tiers
● A meal with me, where practical and by mutual arrangement, for select supporters.
I will personally sign all signed editions and signed bookplates offered through this campaign.
Reader Response
Over the years, readers have described my books as moving, eye-opening, memorable, and difficult to forget. My work has been embraced by book clubs, discussed in classrooms, and shared among readers who care deeply about human lives and truthful storytelling. That response has meant a great deal to me. It has reminded me that stories still matter, and that readers are willing to listen when something honest is placed before them. With your help, these final books can continue that work.
A Personal Note
I live quietly now, writing, remembering, and caring for my rescued cats. But the work in my heart is not yet finished.
The final books I will write are the last major body of work I hope to complete. If my writing has ever moved you, taught you, or stayed with you, I hope you will consider helping me bring these final books into the world.
The six books I plan to write will be the final chapter of my writing life. I want to finish it well, beginning with the first two books. With gratitude, Jean Sasson
Public-Ready Reward Tiers
$10 - With Gratitude
Thank you for supporting the first two books of my final six books of my writing life. Every contribution helps move this work forward.
$25 - Loyal Reader
You will receive campaign updates and my heartfelt thanks for supporting these final books.
$50 - Signed Bookplate
You will receive a signed bookplate from me, suitable for placing inside one of my books, along with campaign updates.
$100 - Signed Upcoming Book
You will receive one signed copy of an upcoming book after publication, plus campaign updates.
$250 - Signed Book Bundle
You will receive one signed upcoming book after publication and one signed previously published title, subject to availability.
$500 - Reader's Collection
You will receive a larger signed bundle of books, including upcoming and selected previously published titles, plus an additional small author-selected bonus item.
$1,000 - Collector's Circle
You will receive multiple signed books, including extra copies suitable for sharing, plus an additional author-selected bonus item.
$2,500 - Lunch or Dinner with Jean
You will receive signed books, additional thank-you items, and, where practical and by mutual arrangement, a lunch or dinner with me. This reward is subject to location, schedule, health, and mutual availability.
$5,000 - Patron of the Final Six
This tier is for those who want to make a major difference in helping me complete the first two books in the final chapter of my writing career. You will receive a generous signed collection, additional thank-you items, and my deepest gratitude.
Fulfillment and Delivery Notes
● Signed bookplates are expected to be fulfilled earlier than book-based rewards.
● Rewards tied to future books will be fulfilled after those books are completed and published.
● Publication timelines may shift, and supporters will be updated if that happens.
● Previously published titles are subject to availability.
● Physical rewards may ship separately depending on timing and availability.
● International shipping may require additional charges or limited availability depending on destination and postal costs.
● In-person rewards depend on location, travel practicality, schedule, health, and mutual availability.
All projected publication and reward timelines are good-faith estimates and may shift as writing, editing, publishing, and fulfillment needs evolve.
Public-Ready Use of Funds
● Writing and project time: 45%
● Editing and revision support: 20%
● Research and preparation: 10%
● Reward fulfillment: 15%
● Platform fees and related costs: 10%
These percentages are estimates and may be adjusted as needed to support the successful completion of the project.
Why are you raising $100,000?
This project is larger than a single book. I am seeking support to help complete the first two books that I am writing. As time passes, I will know if I need additional help for the final four books of my writing career. The funding will help provide time, stability, and practical support for writing, revision, preparation, and reward fulfillment. This amount supports approximately one year of focused writing and production.
What books will this campaign support?
This campaign supports the first two planned books. The first two are Born on the Fourth of July and the Fireworks Never Stopped, my memoir, and The Bird Woman of Riyadh, a book inspired by the many animals I have rescued over the years. Additional titles will be announced in time.
When will Book Fifteen be released?
My current expectation is that Book Fifteen will move forward on a timeline supporting publication in 2027. Because book development and publishing schedules can change, supporters will receive updates if timing shifts.
Will rewards be signed personally by Jean Sasson?
Yes. All signed editions and signed bookplates offered through the campaign will be personally signed by me.
Are previously published books included in some reward tiers?
Yes. Select tiers include signed previously published titles, subject to availability.
Will international supporters be able to participate?
I hope so, and I deeply value international readers. Depending on shipping costs and platform settings, some locations may require adjusted shipping charges or limited reward availability.
Why are the final four books not yet named?
Nonfiction books often reveal themselves gradually. I want each of the remaining books to take its final shape before announcing its title publicly.
What happens if the campaign exceeds its goal?
Additional support will help strengthen the time and resources available to complete the six-book project and fulfill rewards with greater flexibility and care.
