11: Not just any teapot

My wife bought me a teapot for Christmas. It’s a teapot for one and it’s the only gift I asked for. Creatively and professionally, this year is a very big year for me. Last year was all about babies, and although 2014 is all about babies too, naturally, it’s also about being an author and copywriter and whatever else I decide to be.

Next week, I begin blogging again (shhhh!), and I’ll be sitting down to record the first podcast episode of the year. But I have many other plans too and not least, a second novel to write. Sometimes we need people, places and objects to help us get where we want to be.

This teapot is my new companion. This lovely teapot for one. Wish me luck.

You’ll like these links

When I linked to Austin Kleon’s site last week, I noticed he has a library of recommended books. That reminded me of Frank Chimero’s library, which is wonderful. I might make one myself.

Music! For the last six months I have been mildly obsessed with the band, Local Natives. This week I found this rather smashing version of their song, Who Knows Who Cares. Here’s the rest of that concert.

The publishing world is going subscription service mad. This week Oyster, a sort of Spotify for books, raised $14 million.

But I say check out the Singles Club from Galley Beggar Press. New short fiction every month (at least) for just £12 a year, from a fine independent publisher.

Finally, a bookshop in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, where I have friends, has seen profits go crazy after asking for customers on Facebook. Let’s hope the enthusiasm continues. I’ll pop in next time I’m there.