January was busy, but at no point did I feel like I was being as productive as I would like. That’s the real world having its say. And that’s fine. Some things, in fact lots of things, are more important.

Over Christmas I got the chance to join a local reading group which is fairly cool. They meet every month and take it in turns to choose what to read. Last month it was Redshirts by John Scalzi. Anyone who enjoys Star Trek will know that the redshirts are the ensigns or junior crew who accompany the main characters on away trips, and who end up being toast at the outset. It’s a funny premise, I enjoyed the start but it lost me later. That was disappointing because I really, really loved Old Man’s War. Hyperion has been picked for next month, a far longer and more difficult read I think.

I am also a member of an Orbit Writing Group. We’ve taken a bit a of a pause as its been tough to get submissions. I have been drowning in the sequel, others are also writing against the clock to contract while for others its family life. I think we’ll get some new members and that’ll kick start things. I am also loving the support of my fellow Northodox writers, a really cool bunch.

We finally caught up with Yellowstone (which is now on Netflix), what a great ending. It’s been a superb series for me and I was sad to see it finish. The last half season was dramatic but felt a bit rushed because it had a few problems not least the departure of Kevin Costner who didn’t appear. All things considered they did a great job and I hope the rumoured spin offs continue. Seeing more of Beth and Rip would be great. The prequels are good too, and season 2 of the one with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren is due this year I think.

I went to the cinema for the first time in ages, to see Better Man, the Robbie Williams biopic where he is replaced by a CGI monkey. It’s good, but could have been more upbeat. There was only one real song/dance section and they could have done more. The news has been dominated by how badly it has done. I think it’ll be a slow burn, and will do just fine overall. Americans saying they don’t know who he is must have been factored in, and shows a bit of arrogance. Robbie is underrated as a lyricist in my view.