It'll come as no surprise that I love sci-fi movies, especially if they're set in a near future where humanity has managed to colonise the rest of our solar system. Ad Astra, released in the UK just last month, fits the bill perfectly. Brad Pitt stars as astronaut Roy McBride, who is brought in by US… Continue reading The science of Ad Astra
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Jacob Rees-Mogg’s grammar rules
I have been a professional proofreader for 8 years, so when I heard that Jacob Rees-Mogg had released a list of grammar rules for his staff, I was pretty interested. Discovering whether someone is an en-dash or an em-dash person, or a lover or hater of the serial comma, is the kind of thing that… Continue reading Jacob Rees-Mogg’s grammar rules
Interview with science writer Nicky Jenner
A few months ago I read Nicky Jenner's excellent book 4th Rock from the Sun: The Story of Mars. It's a detailed look at all aspects of the red planet, including the science and history of the place, the missions we have sent to visit and stay, the planet's influence on pop culture and our future… Continue reading Interview with science writer Nicky Jenner
Science is a really, really good story
I read two essays by Philip Pullman this morning, from his collection Daemon Voices. The essays were 'Soft Beulah's Night', about William Blake and the importance of magic, and 'Writing Fantasy Realistically', about how fantasy is 'a load of old cobblers' unless it serves the purpose of realism. Reading these two essays, back to back,… Continue reading Science is a really, really good story
How to study in your spare time
You may or may not know that I am studying for a second degree. I also have a full-time job as a freelance editor, which means I'm studying in my spare time. If all goes well, it should take me 6 years to complete my degree. If your first question is, 'How on earth do… Continue reading How to study in your spare time
My 2019 favourites (so far)
Books, TV shows, podcasts, movies, music - there has been so much good stuff to enjoy this year, so I thought I'd share my 2019 favourites with you (so far). These things aren't necessarily new this year, but they are new to me, and they all give my heart a little flip when I think… Continue reading My 2019 favourites (so far)
The strange nostalgia of Pluto
Something strange happens when people talk about Pluto. This small, distant object probably inspires more widespread debate, and emotion, than anything else in our solar system - and all because it was reclassified from a planet to a dwarf planet. People were outraged when Pluto was 'downgraded', and this feeling has lingered. Even now, when… Continue reading The strange nostalgia of Pluto
