Category Archives: Words

Charle’s Bukowski’s ‘so, you want to be a writer?’ is a must read for budding wordsmiths

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In many ways, writing is a lone pursuit, and as such, you have to remain inspired, remain motivated and put pen to paper for all the right reasons.

Writing because you feel you have to is a must and scribing sentences should be for you first and foremost, before anyone else.

Some may disagree, but whether you’re looking to write advertising content, novels, poems, motivational speeches, jokes or film scripts, you should read or listen to Charles Bukowski’s ‘so, you want to be a writer?’ first. Continue reading →

How listening saved LEGO from impending doom

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You may not know this, but a few years ago LEGO nearly folded – and what a sad prospect that is.

But, of course, it didn’t. But, how did it save itself from a fast-tracked global demise?

Well, it involves digital data, insight, innovation – but mainly – listening to people and understanding how they think, how they feel. Continue reading →

Don’t worry about resolutions, get mentally lean for 2018

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Personally, I’ve never been for formal New Year’s Resolutions; I’ve never stuck to them for long.

Instead, when a New Year dawns, I like to make a slightly new tweak to my mindset and motivations, meaning that if I decide to change a thing or two, I do it naturally, moderately or gradually. Continue reading →

5 quotes you need to know about writing

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Whether you enjoy scribbling down thoughts on the back of a notepad, you’re a toilet word search kind of person, you’re an aspiring novelist, a budding poet, a journalist, a publisher or a digital content writer, in some way shape or form, words will be important to you.

So, if you’re reading this and you write in any capacity, these five quotes will (with any hope) offer you the inspiration you need to put the proverbial pen to paper…

Featured Image VIA

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The evolution of digital publishing

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Much like the music industry, digital consumption has had a huge impact on the way in which books are written, delivered, packaged, and sold.

In today’s world, more than 26% of consumers prefer the tablet version of a magazine over its print counterpart.

But, while digital publishing is a sign of progress, and in some ways evolution, we should never discount the joy of getting lost in a physical book. Nor should we overlook the role of the marketing paper or the print publication. And, tangible books aren’t dead like some people will have you believe. And, if vinyl is making a mainstream comeback, surely that’s a sign that physical publishing has its place in the future too? Continue reading →

How to conjure up the perfect setting for your story

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The author must know his countryside, whether real or imaginary, like his hand – Robert Louis Stevenson

Imagine you’ve created the most heroic, heart melting, courage-perspiring hero plus a snarling, devious, and downright dirty nemesis for said hero to battle (or similar, depending on what your story is all about). Now imagine the setting your story is as dull as a dry cracker or simply doesn’t fit around your characters and their various plights.

Your story will fall flat – flat as the proverbial pancake. Continue reading →

How to juggle freelance writing and looking after your kid

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Whether you’re a freelance writer, a solo logo designer, or a purveyor of novelty socks, working from home and setting your own hours offers an incredible amount of flexibility and freedom. But, throw a child into the mix, and things can get a little complicated.

I love working for myself, and I love being a dad. It’s a lifestyle that suits me just fine.

Of course, you can put you kid in nursery Monday to Friday, leaving you free to structure your working days at your leisure, but if possible, looking after your child during the week is a hugely rewarding experience. It’s just getting it right timewise can be bloody tough.

I’m by no means an expert work and kindergarten juggler, but I do manage. Yes, I do manage – and if you’re in the same boat as me, wondering how you’re going to get everything done without leaving your little one in the lurch, may I offer you a few tips on things I’ve learned over the past 10 months or so?  Continue reading →