A new year...

...but pretty much the same old same old. Grey skies. Wet weather. Politicians dumping on the sick and disabled. People killing each other in the name of religion or politics. And I predict more of the same; as well as talentless 'celebrities' being offered big book deals (they are a recognizable brand, you see, and sod those who have spent years honing their writing skills), mediocre books selling by the lorry load because a film gets made or the author has a talent for self-mythologising (branding again, you see), and yet more lacklustre 'literature' from the literati whose real talent has been in attending the right University and having the right friends (ah, but of course, the 'b' word again).

On the other hand, and before I retreat entirely into the Eeyore corner, there will be many good things going on and, if you are prepared to look, there will be great books to discover - well written, astute, witty, vibrant, and with something new, genuine, and insightful to say about the human condition.

Which reminds me. I have a novel to finish.

I hope your 2008 is brand free and full of discoveries that delight and warm you.