I would like to wish all readers of my website blog a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This is my first year as an author. I released 2 books - 'Could it be That Way: Living with Autism', my debut novel, and a collection of short stories 'Banfield Tales'.

Thank you very much to everyone who bought my novel and the short stories. It has not been an easy year. I had a lot of fun writing the books, but marketing and selling has been extremely difficult. I have been featured in a national publication, 'Writing Magazine' which was great fun. It's still a struggle, but I know it's the same for all writers. We just have to keep on trying.

I have given quite a few books away free (which everyone has appreciated) but as a struggling new author it is not practical to continue doing that while trying to pay the household bills. I've enjoyed the comments on my blogs and some of the lovely emails I have received.

I'm having a short Christmas break with my wife and son, but please check out my website for the usual silly jokes, quiz questions, the odd bit of music, videos, and of course, the book reviews. Please let me know if there is anything you would like me to feature on the website, or indeed send in a 'guest blog'. The blogs are also featured on Twitter and Facebook, so you might be able to publicise your own work as well. As writers, we can all help each other. Silly jokes, quiz questions, the odd bit of music, videos, and of course, the book reviews.

Again, have a great Christmas.

See you again in the New Year.

Kind regards

Mike

P.S. Check out some of the old blog entries you may have missed. Even guitar playing !