Sales of Amazon's new Kindle Fire are predicted to reach 5 million by the end of 2011. That's pretty remarkable, given that it was only launched six weeks ago. It's not just good news for Amazon. A whole army of independent book publishers are in line to benefit.

The Jewish festival of Hanukah, which starts today night, is well known because it falls round about the same time as Christmas. In religious terms it's a minor festival; in 21st century cultural terms it is possibly the most famous of Jewish holidays.

The first time I wrote historical fiction I had no idea what I was taking on. Even now, with one historical novel under my belt, and with a second on the way, I am filled with admiration for anyone who can craft a good period narrative. Of all the literary genres, historical fiction must be the toughest.