Death Of 1000 Cuts

The Couch to 80k programme was great for getting me off my bum and doing some writing. It was very approachable, and Tim is such a warm, encouraging and wise guide.

This podcast offers a brilliant array of different content, and styles, of episodes. The first page reviews are great at seeing how you can improve and polish a piece of writing, the depth and consideration (and humour) Tim puts into them is significant - writers can really learn a lot from his approach. What’s more, if you read his books, like The Honours, you can see the echos of his advice in action his own writing, which gave me an extra level of enjoyment in reading. Then there are the author chats, which give insights into difference genres and careers, and are so much more practical than broad sheet interviews with writers. Next, there are the writing challenge episodes, which I have only just started, but seem fun and easy to fit into day. I think some of the most extraordinary episodes though are Tim’s writing rambles, where you have an hour of more of Tim thinking aloud on writing, publishing, mental health, novels that everyone thinks are great but are they really (Never Let Me Go…looking at you), genre writing, editing, drafts, etc etc. I don’t think I’ve listened to anything like these before, they are remarkably raw and honest, it really is quite affecting to listen to someone forming their thoughts in your own ears so to speak. I think it is this part that has prompted what re-reading sounds an awfully gushy review, but there we go, I’ll stick with it. Such a good find this podcast.

I’ve just completed the 8 week creative writing course during lockdown. I had no aspirations to write a novel; it was intended as a fun family activity for 10-20 minutes a day. We all really enjoyed ourselves and are inspired to continue in one form or another. Two out of the four of us are now planning to write novels, which I find amazing. All of us have found a hidden, creative aspect to our talent which we can develop. Please try this podcast/course: Tim is a great teacher and it takes little time and commitment.

I am not a writer. I love listening about writing. Tim hooked me right in with both content and his personality. I recommend even if you don’t write.