MMXI

If I achieve half of what I have planned for this year, I'll be doing well.

Last year's doldrums sent me retreating into one of the first places I turn for comfort – music. It hath charms to soothe the savage breast – not that my breast is particularly savage, more oppressed. All the same, the tunes did the trick. Pretty much everything I've written over the last few months has a musical theme or connection of some kind, and this tendency shows no sign of abating yet. So 2011 will be a Year of Music for me. Look out for charismatic pianists, strict conductors, passionate opera stars, cuban-heeled tango dancers – they are all on their way.

I have some exciting news to share, as well as some excerpts and a free story – so look in again soon, won't you? And I hope the hangover isn't too severe. Less severe than mine, anyway.