Happy 2018! This is a time when many of us try to say 'good-bye' to our old selves, and make ourselves all kinds of promises about who we're going to be in future. From now on we're going to be non-smokers and/or vegan, exercise daily, go on a diet, learn a new language etc. etc. A fair few of us will already have broken at least one New Year's resolution–ah well, a bank holiday after a night of celebration probably isn't the best time for fresh starts, especially if it's cold and dark outside.
    If you've slipped up already, what do you do? Leave it until next year? Give up? Absolutely not! New Year's resolutions are like starting to write a new story. So what if the first sentence you write doesn't work? Draw a line under it and have another try. Keep going even if you aren't sure it's right, and you'll reach a point where you can see the best way forward. Eventually, your goals will be in sight. In life, as in writing, it really doesn't matter how many times you have to start again as long as you don't give up.
    Anyone who wants to read more this year but is finding cash light at the moment, has a final chance to find hundreds of discounted or free books at Smashwords. Discord's Child and Artists and Liars are FREE in the sale, which ends at 23.59 today Pacific Time (that's around 8am tomorrow in the UK). Visit https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ksdearsley. Plus, you'll find a code in Discord's Child for a FREE copy of Discord's Apprentice, valid until 31st January.
    May 2018 bring you all peace, good health and happiness.