Marginal gains: Why changing the little things can make a big difference
Some people call them marginal gains. The Japanese use 'kaizen'. So, how can you make sure your working routine is the most efficient it can be?...
5 reasons why ‘faked death’ stories are such a blast
'Faked death' stories offer everything – drama, nail-biting tension, psychological meltdown, escape. No wonder they are such a staple in fiction. In...
In praise of shorter books – if you can spare the time, of course
The page count in best selling books is getting smaller. People have no time any more. Are shorter books the next chapter in the publishing game?...
Why setting targets for yourself might be a truly terrible idea
Setting targets is hugely important to keeping your projects on track – but sometimes they can become the real reason you’re not making progress.
Why murderous dictators like Putin think the way they do
Shakespeare was right when he portrayed the frailty of kings. We can use the hollow moves of Putin in Ukraine to illustrate sly cunning in action...
Seize this one essential insight from writing maestro Terry Pratchett
According to a new biography, the author of the Discworld fantasy novels, Terry Pratchett, had a very pragmatic view of his talent and priorities....
Book sales – er, there’s some good news and some bad news
A recent Twitter storm pulled back the curtain on the publishing business and revealed some intriguing secrets about true nature of book sales. It...
The curious case of a magic stone that caused ripples
What do a gross intestinal stone, landmark consumer law and magic have in common? All of those things come together at the King’s Bench of 1603. The...
How to find a compelling voice: stunning advice from a master story-teller
Finding your voice, something that is distinctly you, is not alchemy, it just requires you to be you, says George Saunders, short story supremo A...
7 ways the West Wing finale got it completely wrong
The West Wing broadcast its last episode in 2006 offering clues to the characters' futures. But some of those storylines felt wrong. Here's why....
Wait up – here’s our 9 top social media trends for 2022
There's something remarkable happening out there, beginning with the letter T. And it launches our list of the top social media trends of the year....
How to create the illusion of success – then let your brain do the rest
The old notion of “fake it till you make it” has received a bad rap of late – but here’s the twist: there’s scientific evidence to support the idea....
Review – Every Brilliant Thing, including this show
A masterclass in audience warmth, Lenny Henry balances melancholy and hilarity in Duncan Macmillan’s interactive play on life’s joys.
Review – The Daughter of Time is a slow-burner
Despite staging flaws and an inert script, this historical whodunnit finds its footing thanks to committed performances and period charm.
Review – The Unkillable Mike Malloy (and those who tried)
A jazzy, noir-tinged caper about real-life legend Mike Malloy, whose miraculous survival thwarts an increasingly desperate murder plot.