I meant to update the diary to wish everyone a happy Christmas, but there was so much going on in December that I missed that deadline, not to mention assorted others, and now it’s getting a bit late to offer good wishes for the New Year as well. However, for those of you like me who are only just getting back into the swing of things after the break, and especially for all of you who got in touch with me last year, have a very happy and successful 2003!

I had a wonderfully romantic Christmas, and was all set to glow through the new year, but a computer virus, a real virus, a bruising fall all the way down my stairs, and a tax return have brought me down to earth with a bump. I haven’t done any work for over a month now and I am beginning to feel twitchy. I am supposed to be starting the next book at the end of this month, but am bogged down with my thesis and in any case have got absolutely nowhere with a plot, which is still stuck on baby plus exotic setting. I keep hoping inspiration will strike but there’s no sign of it yet. At this rate I will have to dig out the talk I give on plotting – I seem to remember I make it sound really easy … hah!

So all is pretty flat on the writing front right now, although I should start working myself up into my usual frenzy soon. For anyone reading this in North America, keep an eye for The Wedding Challenge , which is out in February – a return to the outback. As usual, ignore the dire cover! I tend to forget about this book for some reason, but I’ve had some very positive feedback from readers here in Europe, where it came out at the end of last year, so I’m thinking it might be better than I remember …. as always, I’d be really pleased to hear what you think.