Us writerly types often live pretty much exclusively in the dark. People never really tell you to your face that they DON’T like what you do. You’re pretty much constantly trying to convince yourself that what you do is okay. It’s nice when colleagues and peers give you the thumbs up, of course. And the fact that a large publisher keeps paying you to link words for them is naturally pretty helpful. But nothing is more gratifying and encouraging than when knowledgable strangers give you a pat on the back.

This year both of my books have received little slices of critical praise. I emphasise the ‘little’. But us scribblers don’t need much critical fuel.

Last weekend the Courier Mail published it’s Best Ten Book for Blokes. I snagged a credible fourth.

And earlier in the year the Sydney Morning Herald saw fit to include my 2011 effort, ‘House of the Rising Suns’, among it’s selection of best new sportswriting.

Been a good year all things considered. 

Thank y’all for your ongoing support.

Have a great Christmas.

Matt