Words about Words - April 2020
If you’re a subscriber to my monthly newsletter, Words about Words, you’ll have already received today’s blogpost in your email inbox yesterday. If you’ve missed it, or haven’t subscribed yet (there’s a box at the bottom of the page), here it is for your enjoyment…
Welcome to Words about Words
In this month's edition I'll share some of the things I've been working on (the next section), some links I found interesting (scroll down to about halfway), and what I've been enjoying culturally (scroll down to near the bottom).
Words I've written
In addition to writing for Lonely Goat Running Club, I've produced two short pieces for King of Shaves, purveyors of great shaving stuff.
Will, the founder of the company, tasked me with writing 'interesting, engaging content' that isn't just the usual "how to" or news article you might expect on such a website. Beyond that briefest of briefs, I've got free rein, which has been fun.
The first piece is called "Why do you shave?" and explores the relationship between shaving and identity.
This was followed by "Sprezzatura" which is about putting the effort in to look effortless.
I'm pleased with how both turned out, and have enjoyed working on the third piece - a sci-fi short-story - which should go live at 10am this Saturday.
Over at Lonely Goat, you may wish to read my "Beginners guide to running", written to help people who are taking up running as part of their daily exercise routine during the coronavirus lockdown.
If you're an experienced runner struggling to feel motivated at the moment, then "How to get your mojo back" might be of interest.
Here on my site, I've published:
A review of Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance by Alex Hutchinson (a great book);
A brief look at things I'm missing during the coronavirus lockdown;
And a detailed appraisal of a great piece of fundraising writing I received from the ever-excellent Surfers Against Sewage (which should be of interest to all businesses, not just charities).
Useful and interesting links
Words about Words is not all about me. Here are some links to pieces I enjoyed reading and that may interest you too.
"Yes, your tired mind is slowing you down" (by Brad Stulberg for Outside Magazine);
"Fundraising feats continue despite London Marathon's postponement" (by Sean Ingle for The Guardian);
"Ten lockdown self-care tips for writers" (By Gareth L. Powell for Curtis Brown Creative);
"Cities have been invaded by cars. Now they're being liberated" (by Gavin Haines for Positive News);
Cultural highlights
It's been a struggle to engage with the cultural world this past month. Nonetheless, a few things have helped break up the 'run, work at the dining table, sit on the sofa, sleep, repeat' cycle.
"Earth" by EOB (aka Ed O'Brien from Radiohead) has barely left the turntable.
Thanks to the great film, 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' I now read haiku in a New Zealand accent.
The Idler's series of Thursday night Zoom chats has been fun. Guy Singh Watson from Riverford was featured a fortnight ago, with the actor Dominic West last week.
I've got into 'Queer Eye' on Netflix in a big way!
Until next time!
That's all for now - thanks for reading. Keep an eye on your inbox for the next Words about Words, arriving on the last Thursday in May.
All the best,
Jonathan
PS: You can receive Words about Words every month by signing up using the box at the bottom of this page.