This weekend is Valentine’s Day and it’s going to be a freezing one, so snuggle up with your loved ones (including any extremely furry pet cats and dogs)!

This just in: British newspaper The Independent is going fully digital. [New Europe]

16 books to read if you hate Valentine’s Day. [Bustle]

And, 11 romantic books to read if you love Valentine’s Day. [Brit + Co]

Carrie Rubin and Larry Brooks talk the craft of writing. [StoryFix]

Aaron Sorkin is adapting To Kill a Mockingbird for Broooooadway! [Broadway.com]

More updates on Amazon bookstores (spoiler: no one knows what’s going on). [PW]

A fun infographic on the weird writing practices of authors! [GalleyCat]

This weekend may have windchill up to -20F. Tips on staying warm! [Boston Globe]

 

Accepting the audience that wants your book [Where Writers Win]

What’s the most overused word in public speaking? [PR Daily]

Infinite Jest at 20. [NYT]

What is a book blogger? [Hello Chick Lit]

Joe Alaskey, the voice of Bugs Bunny, died this week. [THR]

The science behind daydreaming & how you can re-train your brain to focus [Fast Company]

Is Amazon planning to open 400 bookstores? [Publishers Weekly]

Robert Durst (of The Jinx documentary) has pleaded guilty to gun charges. [NYT]

Self publishing success: Be realistic. [Publishers Weekly]

Are you living true to yourself? From wonderful author Sara Goff. [ACW]

98 book marketing ideas! [BookBub]

When is criticism unfair? [NYT Bookends]

Science says speed reading doesn’t work. [Inc.]

In honor of James Joyce’s birthday this week, his love letters [Brainpickings]

For Superbowl 50: What makes a great Superbowl ad? [PR Newser]

And for those who don’t care about the Superbowl… Puppies!! [EW]

This week, most of the news surrounded the impending #Blizzard2016 or, if you go by Weather Channel, #WinterStormJonas. But we round up the rest of the publishing, public relations, marketing, and other news this week for you.

Last week Bowie, this week Eagles founding member Glenn Frey. Rest in Peace. [CNN]

Jane Friedman talks about 5 marketing models for successful self-publishing [Publishers Weekly]

What are the 15 most edited Wikipedia pages of all time? [Time]

January 20th was #NationalCheeseLoversDay. If you’re stuck inside this weekend here’s some fun, cheesy recipes! [Bustle]

This week was also #NationalPopcornDay, so if you don’t like cheese, here’s some recipes to spice up your popcorn game. [InStyle]

Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington stepped down this week. [NYT]

 

David Bowie dies of cancer two days after final album [reuters]

What are David Bowie’s favorite books? [electriclit]

Alan Rickman, Harry Potter and Die Hard actor, dies of cancer [bbc]

What are the six things you never knew about Alan Rickman? [time]

Indie Bookstores finish 2015 on a high note [PW]

Tips on how to make reading resolutions for 2016 [huffpost]

For non-social media lovers: connect with Jane [janefriedman]

What are blogging trends for content marketers? [prdaily]

Find out the 7 remedies on how to write when you’re not in the mood [bookbabyblog]

The greatest marketing tool for your book [writerswin]

How engaging on Twitter is changing [prdaily]

Five tips on how to grow your Instagram following [entrepreneur]

Check out the interview with writer & director Alex Garland from Ex Machina [electriclit]

Happy New Year! It’s our first week back since the holiday break and our team at Claire McKinneyPR hopes everyone had a wonderful time spent with family and friends. Here is this week’s Friday Links!

Bad news for Game Thrones of lovers [CNN] 

Looking for new books for the new year? [NYtimes]

The top content-marketing trends for 2016 [PRDaily]

Check out The Millions’ newest books for 2016 [themillions]

It was National Bird Day this week! Tips to keep them safe outdoors [fws.gov]

In need a “cheat sheet” for online writing content? [PRdaily]

Nonfiction book by Neil Gaiman to be published in May 2016 [GalleyCat]

Did print book sales go up or down in 2015? [PW]

Take your luck or make your luck? [writerunboxed]

Possible new change of the 140-character limit on Twitter? [adage]

Find out books that changed authors’ lives [vulture]

What are the top 5 digital PR trends to watch in 2016? [adweek]

Hello 2016: 5 ways authors can prepare to succeed in the new year [writerswin]

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is now the highest-grossing domestic film ever [Time]

Understanding conspiracy theories after tragedies [WP]

Messy lives, brilliant minds? Writers, hoarders, and their clutter [lithub]

What’s on B.J. Novak’s bookshelf? [strandbooks]

What does 2016 hold for digital publishing? [PW]

What are the 15 words you need to eliminate from your vocabulary? [Time]

How to use the ellipsis [PRdaily]

Hemingway’s advice on writing, ambition, and the art of revision [brainpickings]