Happy New Year!

What are your New Year resolutions for 2025? Or do you prefer to take the year as it comes? I tend to find that any resolution made in the heat of a New Year's event quickly dissipates in the cold light of day come 1st January! 

I often find it easier - and more effective - to have a general desire to do something fresh/differently, rather than setting a specific task. So, in a writerly context, rather than giving myself a stern talking-to about focussing on worthy books, I often go with the flow of what is being recommended by well-read friends, or what I spot someone consuming avidly on the train...

However, before starting to write my novels, I did indeed set myself a challenging reading list. I wanted to sample books written by a variety of authors, in different styles, and set across a range of centuries and geographic locations. It taught me a great deal, and helped me to hone my style of writing. 

Reading for pleasure or distraction, though, is a different occupation  - yet often just as rewarding as that worthy tome I've been meaning to start for ages...
And a book can be a much-needed companion. The great C.S Lewis said:
We read to know we are not alone. 

Happy New Year, and Happy Reading!