There are a few things that will always plague me as a writer. That there’s no ‘x’ in eczema. That you can’t change your default language on Google Docs to English (UK). And how the hell we’re supposed to spell zhuzh. So I went down an obsessive rabbithole, a journey which includes 18th century sailors, cats Queer Eye, and Mariah Carey — come with!
Read MoreIf you’ve been around these parts for a while, you may know that I went from 0-100, quite literally, on reading last year (and if you’ve not then hello! Lovely to have you here! Happy New Year to you and yours!). I’m happy to say that habit stuck around - so here are the books I managed in 2022!
Read MoreI set up The Enthusiast to encourage everyone to be more enthusiastic, sure, but it’s undeniable that enthusiasm is a feminist issue: women and non-binary folk in particular are the ones most denied by the way society treats enthusiasm, and dismisses its importance. Inspired by my nomination in the Holly & Co Female Founders category in The Independent Business Awards, today I’m writing about 5 ways that society views women’s enthusiasm.
Read MoreAs a woman who can’t go a meal without spilling something down herself, the irony of selling predominantly t-shirts in light colours is not lost on me. In lieu of bringing back bibs, here’s 3 products to add to your cleaning cupboard so you can go forth and buy your (ethical, eco-friendly) t-shirts with longevity in mind!
Read MoreI know enthusiasm when I see it and when I feel it – especially, in fact, when I feel it and live it, as I’m lucky enough to day-to-day. It’s a very embodied feeling, which can make it hard to put into words. (Brilliant! You say. Perfect for a blog post.) Often, I get away with the definition “Ah, well, you know, it’s what makes the world go round”, because many enthusiasts also recognise that feeling instantly. But what about those who feel it, but don’t know how to name it? Putting words to something gives us power, because once we name it, we can wrangle it. We can harness it. We can utilise it. So, it’s time to answer “What is enthusiasm?”
Read MoreLike an old actor on the run, enthusiasm has lived many a life. Here’s a brief history of enthusiasm through time…
Read MoreThis article was originally featured in Issue 1 of VORACIOUS Magazine, but with the instagram post making the rounds again, I thought I’d share the full thing here. Gina Martin writes about how enthusiasm is the key to her work even when — especially when — the world is on fire…
Read MoreIt’s a question all of us with visible tattoos have been asked at least one point in our lives: what’s that for, then? But do you have to have a reason? We think not.
This article originally featured in Issue 1 of VORACIOUS magazine
Read MoreThe lovely people at The Massage Company were offering a free massage session, in exchange for an (honest) review. Well, I had the massage, so here’s the (honest) review:
Read MoreFrom circus freak to Topshop chic, geekiness has a varied history, as does nerdiness. But what’s the difference between a nerd and a geek? The inner enthusiast in me – and, in an extremely meta way, the inner nerd (or maybe geek?) in me – wanted to know.
Read Morewritten by Chris Gunner
With its 66th iteration days away from being held in Turin, I was asked by Ellie to explain why this glorious smörgåsbord of colour, sound and thinly-veiled political machinations sparks so much joy to me and so many others.
Read MoreA couple of weeks ago in my newsletter, I mused on the age-old party question “What do you do for a living?”. This question is as old as time – by which I mean, I guess, as old as capitalism, which isn’t as old as time at all – but in recent years, it’s been put under the microscope. What would you rather be asked instead?
Read MoreI first came across Hali and her incredible artwork when I was searching instagram for illustrators to feature in Issue 1 of Voracious (Hali very kindly allowed me to republish 2 of her pieces in there.) It’s safe to say, I immediately fell in love with her style.
Read MoreSo many people see enthusiasm as this big, showy display of dedication and affection, but that’s not the full picture. That’s actually only one half of it, the extroverted half. In contrast, if you’re an introvert, you’re likely to show your enthusiasm in different ways: ways that are less outwards-facing, and less visible, perhaps, but no less real or valid.
Read MoreI asked what your favourite compliment you’ve ever been given was, and the results were SO GLORIOUS - so here’s just 20 of my faves from the submissions.
Read MoreIn January 2021, faced with a(nother) lockdown in London, and a good bout of the existential dread/depression/ennui/anxiety that comes with that, I picked up a hobby I hadn’t touched in years: reading. And inspired by VORACIOUS interviewee and patron saint of projectification, Elisa Sunga, I was going to do a full analysis of the books I read. But, as it turns out, I couldn’t get anywhere near that level, so instead: here’s the 100 titles I read in 2021.
Read MoreWhat do Confucius and Marc Anthony have in common? Well, according to the internet, they both said “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” (As far as email openers go, that’s pretty obscure, even for me - maybe I’ve been watching too much Only Connect over Christmas…)
Read MoreThis year, I found reading again. Some books provided much-needed, blissful escapism from real life; some provided much-needed education for real life; and some provided a not only much-needed but long-overdue mirror of real life. In this latter category was An Ordinary Age: Finding Your Way In A World That Demands Exceptional by Rainesford Stauffer.
Read MoreBookshops are one of the best places on Earth - but it’s not always feasible to get to one in person. So, if you prefer to order your books online - or you want to pre-order a particular book, as it’s one of the best ways of supporting an author - I’ve rounded up 5 places to shop online, whilst still supporting indie businesses (and therefore not giving B*zos any of your pesos.)
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