Happy Christmas to All!

Just wanted to wish all readers of my blog a very happy Christmas and a successful and creative new year. I'm taking a break from blogging for the next week or so, so after this post the next time you'll hear from me will be in 2008!

I shan't be online much over the festive period, so please be patient if you need to contact me about anything. Remember, if you have any queries about any of my writing courses, you can always raise a ticket at www.myhelphub.com. WCCL's support team never sleep, and there will usually be someone around, even on Christmas Day!

I know many of you will have a little more time than usual available over the next few days, so do remember that my forum is always open, and is a great place for getting feedback on your work, tackling a writing challenge or two, or just shooting the breeze in the Coffee Shop. And, of course, if Santa has brought you a few extra pounds/dollars/euro, there are some great resources for writers (including my courses) available via WCCL's WriteStreet website.

Finally, a couple of quick personal messages. First, I'd like to send my support and best wishes to my friend and fellow writer Dr Suzanne (Suzie) Harris, who is going through a rough patch at the moment. I'm not allowed to set out all the circumstances here, but basically she has found herself on the wrong side of the authorities through no fault of her own, and the full weight of the bureaucratic system here in the UK has descended on her. I hope Suzie and her family have as good a Christmas as they can in the circumstances, and that 2008 is a happier year for them.

And - on a brighter note - I'd like to offer my congratulations to my old friend Clare Girvan, who I've just heard has won the 1500 euro first prize in the prestigious 2007 Fish Historical Short Story Competition, having been a runner-up in previous Fish contests. The winners' details aren't yet showing on the website, but should be there soon. Clare is a highly talented short story writer, and it's great to see her work finally getting the recognition it deserves. Way to go, Clare!