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The problem with short breaks is facing your email inbox on your return - mine were absolutely overflowing especially as I belong to three online writing groups. Among them was a link to the Guardian newspaper website's How To Write series. I haven't had chance to read everything but there are articles on scriptwriting, comedy, poetry, journalism, historical writing and writing for children. There are words of wisdom from Robert Harris, Antonia Fraser, Michael Rosen, Linda Newberry and Meg Rosoff. There is also a great piece on the benefits of reading your work aloud to children by publisher David Fickling. I've mentioned before how horrible I find reading my work to other people, and I haven't yet tried reading it aloud to them although I have had a couple read it and give me their thoughts. Perhaps I should be brave and approach a local school to see if I could try it out on a class. I also think it's important to read aloud your story to yourself - although it can be a bit embarrassing if anyone hears you. When I first read some Dr Midas aloud (to a writer's group) I realised I had used 'said Dr Midas,' and 'said Millie' far too many times. It just sounded silly. It can also help to make sure sentences aren't too long and that there's a nice natural rhythm to your writing. My great ambition of course it to have complete strangers reading my stories, that's why I keep sending them out in the hope of publication. Find out more at http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/series/howtowrite Another email waiting for me was from the North West branch co-ordinator of SCBWI (www.britishscbwi.org) which I joined just over a year ago. SCBWI is the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators and it has a British group. SCBWI organise regular events with top agents, publishers and writers. The north west group also meet regularly for critique groups (in Manchester and soon in Chester) and have just set up their own website with the fantastic address www.afewofmyfavouritethings.co.uk which publicises local writers and artists including me! If you would like to read my short story 'Diversity' which won the Writers' Advice Centre for children's books competition just check out the website. The final email I'm going to share is from an independent bookseller Simply Books based in Bramhall Village, Cheshire - about upcoming children's author events. I've yet to visit the shop but I will have to as it looks amazing on their website - they were also 'runner-up' for Independent Bookshop of the Year 2008 and have regular author events. On Wednesday, October 1st, (4pm - 5.30pm) Rick Riordan American author of the 'Percy Jackson' series of books will be visiting and signing books. Simply Books say: "'Percy Jackson' books take stories from Greek Mythology and set them in modern day New York -they're fast, funny adventures with lots of action and real page-turners. Perfect for boys and girls aged 9-12 and Rick himself is great fun." Then on Tuesday, October 7th, (11.00am-12.30pm) author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson will be chatting and signing copies of her brilliant new book Stick Man. Simply Books said: "Separated from the 'family tree' we follow Stick Man's perilous adventures and eventual reunion with his 'Stick Lady Love and their stick children three'. Funny and touching, we think this is likely to be another classic of 'Gruffalo' proportions." Find out more at www.simplybooks.tbpcontrol.co.uk Don't forget you can share your writing news and events or links with me via the comments section or email me at www.drmidas.co.uk

NOTE TO SELF: WHEN IS CHRISTMAS NOT CHRISTMAS? WHEN IT'S NOT "PC"


Once again as has occurred in the past, Christmas has become a politically un-acceptable word.

The latest is a move by an Ottawa, Canada, elementary school's attempt to remove the word "Christmas" from the song, "Silver Bells" in their annual Christmas concert

Gimme a break!

The move has ignited a controversy that has spread across the country and probably across North America and beyond. Instead, "Frosty the Snowman" replaced "Silver Bells" sung by Grade 2 and Grade 3 students attending Elmdale Public School.

"It was a choice by the choir," said Ottawa-Carleton District School Board spokeswoman Sharlene Hunter. "The teachers are visibly and emotionally upset and don't feel they can conduct that song to the best of their ability."

Elmdale has been inundated with telephone calls and emails after the story broke about teachers at the school changing the word Christmas and replacing it with "festive" in the Christmas carol, "Silver Bells." As in: "silver bells...silver bells...it's festive time in the city..."

Ridiculous!

It's akin to the story where Australian Santas were told not to use the traditional "ho-ho-ho" laugh and use "ha-ha-ha" instead, since it was deemed offensive to women.

It makes one wonder which songs will be deemed un-politically correct in the future. Will radio stations have to bleep out unacceptable words?

"It's beginning to look a lot like festive... Everywhere you go..." or "We wish you a merry festive..."

And a Merry Christmas...um - Festive - whatever, to you too!