December is a busy month for all of us; and I learnt some years ago that any plans I had for writing were usually scuppered by a combination of post-NaNoWriMo burn-out, and a diary stuffed with Christmas lunches and other seasonal events. They say a writer’s life is a solitary one, but it certainly doesn’t feel like that by the time I’ve been to parties for all three of my writing groups, plus Exeter Alumni network, plus everything going on here in Chudleigh. And then, there’s the Christmas fairs: this year I attended three in the space of four days, which was great fun – and I even sold a few books along the way!

All of which is a long-winded way of saying that I’ve been switched off for the past ten days or so; and I’m considering myself on holiday for the rest of the year! Well, what’s the point of being the boss, if you can’t treat the workers once in a while? I will return briefly on New Year’s Eve for this year’s round-up of literary achievements and my objectives for 2019, but otherwise, my laptop is staying shut!

In the meantime, I would like to wish all of you the Compliments of the Season. Wherever you are and however you celebrate, have a wonderful holiday. And remember: we are past the shortest day and it’s uphill from here all the way to summer.