The Truth Shall Make Ye FretEach month, we read one of the Discworld novels, going in chronological order; we then summarise, dissect and discuss it in front of a microphone, in three parts. We point out literary devices, track character development, highlight bits we liked (and, more reluctantly, bits we didn’t), and go down tangential research rabbit holes. . . . more
How to write a sample voice-over scriptA corporate video can be business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), or the manifestation of an executive ego with too high a budget (EE2HB). . . . more
An unlikely source of namesI can’t vocalise why particular combinations – Matthew Grief, Gloria Swarm, Jebediah Vault – sound so funny, but they are very satisfying. Often, the results of trying to find these names are trounced by coincidence. . . . more
15 Tips for Self-Employed ProcrastinatorsWalk the dog. Pine forests are best for really long walks. The needles make a springy, well-drained soil which is easy on the joints and never too muddy. . . . more
How to Proofread, Part 1: Proofreading Your Own WorkSubmitting a piece of writing feels sublime. The slog is over, the deadline has been hit (or missed, but at least it’s not getting any missed-er), it's out of your hands. But the satisfaction glistens with greasy anxiety. How many mistakes did you miss? Checking your own work is hard. Once you’ve stared at a… . . . more
Keeping Track: Freelance Writing with ADHDADHD affects an offensively large section of behaviour called executive functioning. Executive functioning, when it’s, er, functioning, helps you plan, keep track of time, pay attention and — importantly for this article — bolsters your working memory and helps you think creatively. . . . more
Podcasts for freelance writers & editorsPodcasts are double-uppers. They entertain me while I rinse dishes. They educate me as I stride, with an air of misleading purpose, from house to coffee shop and back again. I was introduced to podcasts late in the game – bored, exhausted and sans television after a move in 2015, I Googled "QI facts radio… . . . more
Blue light blocking glasses: worth the weirdness?There were lots of choices for blue light blocking glasses – some more legit-sounding than others (I'm not sure if my chakras need realigning through light therapy or not, but I'd like to keep the issues separate). . . . more
Essential Reading for Writers: Zen in the Art of WritingZen in the Art of Writing is a window into the mind and working process of a man famed for his prolific, beautiful prose. It is an immensely valuable resource. Most importantly, it is delightful. Bradbury used words in new and delicious ways whenever he wrote; including in his meta work. There is a physical… . . . more
Pen & paperThere is something beautiful and inviting about a creamy, blank, ruled page. A pristine notebook is like a fresh sheet of snow: novel, crisp, vibrating with possibilities. And, like snow, once you touch it… it's ruined. . . . more