Something To Say About Christmas

A year has zoomed past...

And what, as John Lennon admonishes us, have we done with it?

Stuff, of course. And work, don’t forget that. But if you’re anything like me, you’ve snaffled every spare minute of every one of the last 365 days to cram some words into your novel-in-progress, and the approaching end-of-year inevitably descends into a homework moment when we ask ourselves: have we achieved anything? At all? It’s easy to get yourself down.

I’ve got writing to show for 2024, of course, plus one short story published (remind yourself of that here, please – please!), but I’m still on that publication journey, which seems endless, and I wouldn’t be me if I hadn’t ended up collapsed in a corner of the kitchen, staring glassy eyed at the greying sky and crying into my Glühwein, wondering if I’ll ever realize my dream of seeing one of my novels in a bookshop, with or without a sticker ‘1.99 – reduced!’

Sprawled on my kitchen tiles, resting my weary head against the cupboard, I reflected on the state of the world and my utterly insignificant place in it until my other half swept in and, cocking her head, lowered herself down and placed one gentle hand on my shoulder.

“Honey,” she said, reaching my eye level and conjuring a sympathetic smile, “I need something out of the cupboard.”

OK. Point taken. And we’re on to the next thing...

Conclusion? You know what they say about the going getting tough. We’re writers. We stand for hope and possibilities, and — I’m saying this to you, yes, you — we’re the ones who have to get going.

Thank God, I’m surrounded by a bunch of talented and supportive people. That’s you, again — whether we use the term beta readers, critique partners, editors or simply writing friends all over the world, I’d be lost without you (whether via Amsterdam Writers Group or that nexus of creative creativity that is Jericho Writers). The world needs us, in 2025. Warmongers and idiot politicians? Climate-wreckers and social media charlatans? They can all go hang. (Hope you’re with me on that one.) With writing we can, and will, change the world.

So, if you’ll excuse me, I need to bake a Christmas pudding. Then, I’ve got some writing to do.

Happy Christmas.

PS: This post forms part of a longer mail I’m sending to close friends and confidants this Christmas, including a short story that isn’t going to be published. If I’ve missed you off the list, or you’d like to be in the inner circle (doesn’t that sound grand?), drop me a line.

PPS: A big shout out here to all the guys at Amsterdam Writers Group, without whom, etc. Jullie zijn de absoluut beste.

PPPS: Not trying to outdo Harry Bingham here, but his Friday emails have been a constant source of writing nourishment during 2024. Looking forward to much more Jericho goodness in the new year.

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