‘On me ‘ead, son.’ Like an estimated 1 billion people worldwide (and mindful of apparent restrictions on words that can be used for the next few days), I watched the opening ceremony of the quadrennial ‘global sporting event’ with a mixture of high expectation, positivity and awe. Danny Boyle, Tracey Seaward and the entire team …
Month: July 2012
Then there was music…
Hello? Police? I want to report a crime against music… So, the story of the band… I’m guessing most people start a band because they want to be cool or they want the chicks (or guys) or, best of all, because they idolise a band so much that they learn to play an instrument. I …
We Need to Talk
Sometimes things just don’t add up. I posted recently about the ways, in my experience, that freelancers can add value. It prompted a few responses and a lively dialogue with professional copywriter Alasdair Murray. For the record, let me state that: 1. I enjoy being challenged, where it makes me think about what I’m communicating …
Going for a song
Henri could rock out with the best of them, but first the month end accounts were waiting. Have you ever had the experience of thinking about someone and then they phone you? Or maybe you’ve been thinking about a type of dog and suddenly one comes walking around the corner towards you? The psychoanalyst Carl …
Beating the odds
Key inventions that changed the world. No 24: The pooper scooper. All freelance writers have a perennial set of challenges to get their heads around: – Writing content to order. – Meeting deadlines. – Revising work where requirements have changed or were less than…ahem…fully defined. – Establishing which rights are being sold and who …
Defending Joe
Often in a novel, alongside the protagonist, antagonist and a host of other characters, there will be an additional presence. I’m talking about the location. Sinclair Macleod’s series that started with The Reluctant Detective is based in Glasgow and that’s also the setting for Paul Vincent Lee’s debut novel, Defending Joe. I caught up with him …
Don’t mention the war
A novel beginning? I’ve always had mixed feelings about American Independence Day. I mean, I get it – I understand the historical and cultural significance, as it is commonly understood. And let’s face it, who the heck wants to be disproportionately taxed and ruled by a foreign power from overseas? I also know ‘stupid stuff’. …