2009 has been a pretty incredible year. There have been so many highlights - my first television play, "The Turning Point" for SKY Arts about Winston Churchill and Guy Burgess, and my first BBC radio play about the last days of Margaret and Denis Thatcher in Downing Street. There was also a BBC radio documentary about security in Westminster, a forest of newspaper articles, and some important announcements from Hollywood production companies about their plans for "The Lords' Day" and "House of Cards".

Even so, I am a little overawed by the reception I've already received in 2010. A letter has arrived telling me that after an extensive trawl of the entire human population I had been appointed a humanitarian peace ambassador in recognition of the fact that I am one the world's most important two thousand people. Yes, folks, the top two thousand! My excitement had scarcely subsided when another letter dropped onto my frozen doormat informing me that I was not only 'unique' and 'distinguished' and lots of other things besides but also had been exclusively selected as the Man of the Year for my country. And like the previous honour, if only I send them a cheque for $295 I will get a beautifully varnished plaque to prove it.

Sady, I'm the modest type. I intend to turn down all such honours, and concentrate instead on promoting the new book that's coming out in February - "The Reluctant Hero". It's another Harry Jones thriller, and casting aside modesty for a moment, I happen to think it's my best yet. But it doesn't really matter what I think, it's your opinion that matters.

So let me know, and enjoy.