A frosty morning filled with winter colours. It was -3° when I went out, but the sun is trying its best to break through.

My 14yo built me a bookshop for my office complete with a working light, tiny vases of flowers, and so many books. It took her HOURS. Made me cry when I opened it. #MerryChristmas #BookTwitter

Christmas Eve is my favourite day of the festive season. The gammon's roasting in the oven and I'm about to get cracking on the sausage rolls.
Feeling nostalgic today, a sort of sad wistfulness for Christmases past. Merry Christmas, friends. May yours be peaceful and filled with love.

There are some personal things going on in my life that are making me sad, but one of my favourite moments of each day is switching on the Christmas tree lights, and how calm and peaceful it makes me feel.

Spent a soothing afternoon painting pottery with my youngest. This still needs to be fired in the kiln, but behold, our new Christmas plate. It's not brilliant, but not bad for a first try, eh?

I've always been a stickler for no Christmassy stuff before December, but we're letting the light in a bit earlier this year.

It's a bleak morning by the estuary. Freezing and grey. But there's something about the seascape that appeals to me when it's like this.
If you look closely, you can just make out the name of the orange boat: Revenge. I'd love to know what prompted that.

I’m so excited to share the cover for my #QuickReads 2025 book, A Boy Called Saul, out on 23 April! 🎉 Isn't it gorgeous? These stories are designed to inspire less confident readers. Find out more: bit.ly/4eDBjCG

This photo sums up Sunday mornings in our house.
16yo is refereeing a football match, then playing in one.
14yo is volunteering at a farm and stables.
49yo (me) is taxi-driving and writing.