On helping to judge a writing competition

As an example, I hate Moby Dick with a passion. It’s just so tedious. But I can still objectively see that it’s A Good Book. If I came across that in my pile of entries, I daresay I’d recommend it for the longlist, just as soon as I’d dried my tears of boredom. It’s all about objectivity, which I don’t think we’re always very good at as writers, and therefore we assume that anybody who reads our work is looking for reasons to ‘mark us down’, as it were.… Read More On helping to judge a writing competition

September 6, 2020 NicolaLeave a comment

Royally Good Advice

As I’m sure everybody is aware by now, I am incredibly classy. Therefore it will come as no surprise to anybody that I spent the first evening of the week kickin’ it with my friends in the royal box at the opening night of a new production by the Royal Ballet. My ticket sources must… Read More Royally Good Advice

May 12, 2015February 16, 2017 NicolaLeave a comment

A Letter I Wrote To The Daily Mail

To whom it may concern, Loads of things have happened in the last couple of days. For example, the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine looked like it might be in danger. Greece was in the middle of financial negotiations that might affect the whole of the Eurozone. Some disgraceful behaviour by Chelsea supporters set the… Read More A Letter I Wrote To The Daily Mail

February 20, 2015February 16, 2017 NicolaLeave a comment

This Is Snow Joke!

Important news: It is winter. I know this will come as a shock to the three hermits left in the UK who haven’t been outside and frozen a few minor parts of their anatomy off. But it is winter. I’m actually going to go out on a limb and claim that it really hasn’t been… Read More This Is Snow Joke!

February 2, 2015February 16, 2017 NicolaLeave a comment

Saving The Best ‘Til Last

When I was little I refused to mix up any of the foods on my plate. Now that I’m 25, I still refuse to mix up any of the foods on my plate. I mean, I’ll allow them to be mixed up, but you can be damn sure I’m going to pick out all of… Read More Saving The Best ‘Til Last

October 29, 2014February 17, 2017 NicolaLeave a comment

Nobody Cares What You Think

I realise that by the mere fact of me writing about my opinion on this we’re all likely to be swept into a black hole of hypocrisy and (the bad kind of) irony, but it’s probably worth it because we all just seem to be lying down and taking this ugly new development of the… Read More Nobody Cares What You Think

August 18, 2014February 17, 2017 NicolaLeave a comment

It’s Getting Hot(el) in Here

Sometimes you find yourself in the situation where you just know you’re a fish out of water. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, but at the same time you just know you don’t belong where you are and at any second you could be found out and promptly thrown out. This happened to me last… Read More It’s Getting Hot(el) in Here

August 15, 2014February 17, 2017 NicolaLeave a comment

Dim Sum: A Sum-mary

With their shared seating, communal food, and insistence that tea should be served in an eggcup from an iron thing that weighs about as much as a kettle bell, the dim sum restaurant is a social minefield. Fortunately, I am here to clear that minefield, guiding you to safe passage and stress-free, steamy dumplings. Which,… Read More Dim Sum: A Sum-mary

August 4, 2014February 17, 2017 NicolaLeave a comment

10 Easy Ways to Always Be On Time

As an organised and put-together adult person I’m often asked how I manage to get everywhere I have to be, and how I manage to be fashionably early, looking completely sussed and stylish, and not at all red-faced and sweaty. Let me tell you, it is tough. But it’s not impossible. Have a look at… Read More 10 Easy Ways to Always Be On Time

July 14, 2014 NicolaLeave a comment

Nicola Masters

My name is Nicola. I am a writer.

Tag: advice