I've been expanding my reading of late. Over the last few weeks I have munched my way through a couple of John Marden books (most enjoyable), Garth Nix (also very good) and have just started Ceila Dart Thornton's 'Ill-made Mute' which I'm kind of struggling a little with.

This blast of reading has reminded me of how impossible it is to write if you never read. Books build the brain just as exercise builds muscles.

I've also been indulging in a bout of reality TV. Yep I am a fan of 'The Biggest Loser'. In fact I was so inspired that I've lept onto their website and printed up the 'Five Day Diet' which (with only one small freddo frog as a deviation) I've vaguely followed (at least for today). I