Tag Archives: personalblog

My Top 5 Reads of 2023

I had intended to do my top reads of 2023 sooner. I’ve been thinking about it since the start of December. But it took me a while because I have kinda overcomplicated it…Last year I simply did a top fiction book and a top non-fiction one. This year I went for categories. Picking a topContinue reading “My Top 5 Reads of 2023”

‘This was meant to be the year that I…’ Would I be right to assume you’re in a philosophical mood?

💭 “This was meant to be the year that I…” I’ve been thinking about an image. It shows a guy doing an about-turn. He’s mining for diamonds and he’s hunched over. He’s expended so much energy and he has no more reserves. But what he doesn’t realise is that there’s only a thin layer ofContinue reading “‘This was meant to be the year that I…’ Would I be right to assume you’re in a philosophical mood?”

Cherry Edits: Editing and proofreading scores on the doors. ðŸ”¢

I’ve been proofreading and editing for several years now. Here’s a brief overview of how much experience I’ve had. The first five years (part-time): â—½ 49 projects â—½ 2,132,069 words Year six (full-time): â—½ 23 projects â—½ 1,356,360 words Total so far: â—½ 72 projects â—½ 3,488,429 words Thank you to all the authors whoContinue reading “Cherry Edits: Editing and proofreading scores on the doors. ðŸ”¢”

When words cross borders. Are we on the same page about literary translations? Considerations as a reader, an educator, and an editor.

Discover the world of literary translations and gain insights as a reader, educator, and editor. Explore considerations, cultural perspectives, and the importance of staying true to the author’s intention. Join the conversation on words crossing borders in this thought-provoking blog post.

It’s an indie life for me, but I have a healthy respect for traditional publishing.

I bang on about indie publishing because it aligns with my values. But that doesn’t mean I have a problem with traditional publishing. For instance, I like to know how things are done in traditional publishing to make sure my indie clients get a professional service from me, even though they’ve not gone the tradContinue reading “It’s an indie life for me, but I have a healthy respect for traditional publishing.”

Has the cat got your tongue? Find it with self-publishing.

Stuart’s non-fiction book Felicette has been in my orbit for a while. I’ve been meaning to read it and this week it made its way to the top of my TBR pile. It tells the story of the first cat in space. This is not a children’s story. It’s not twee or sentimental. And StuartContinue reading “Has the cat got your tongue? Find it with self-publishing.”

Creative writing groups can help you find your voice.

I went out to a writers’ cafe last night and did some blackout poetry. (Also called redacted/erasure poetry.) It was super fun! I worked on maybe six or seven pieces. When I started, I was looking at what each piece of prose was telling me, but once I got going, I felt like I wasContinue reading “Creative writing groups can help you find your voice.”

Sending your book to an editor is like sending your kid on a school residential.

🚸 Am I talking about sending your kid on a school residential? 📚 Or might this be an analogy…? And when they get back…? This analogy can run much further. But I reckon that’ll do. 😃 Handing over your manuscript to an editor might be like sending your kid on their school residential. Be brave.Continue reading “Sending your book to an editor is like sending your kid on a school residential.”