Academic publishing is a protracted business. As a translator of academic texts, it’s rare for the translation to become available (whether in print or online) soon after its completion; in fact, given publishers’ schedules, it’s more likely that you will…
One of the delights of being back in Germany has been the ability to take part easily in conferences and workshops held here – no flights necessary, just a train ride! Thrilled at the prospect of meeting colleagues again in…
It’s been a bit quiet here on the blog, but for a very good reason – I’ve moved! Not just house, but country. My husband and I had always said that “one day” we would move back to Germany, where…
This Christmas, I was sent a present by one of my clients in Switzerland – a so-called “Swiss card”! Made by Victorinox, the world’s leading manufacturer of Swiss army knives, the “Swiss card” is an alternative to the traditional Swiss…
It’s the beginning of a new calendar year, and I always like to start January by reviewing and reflecting on the past twelve months. I find I tend to lose sight of what I’ve actually accomplished over the stretch of…
In late 2019, I was feeling…frustrated. I had been running my own freelance translation business for almost a decade, and successfully so. I had a portfolio of loyal clients who supplied me with by and large interesting projects. And yet…
When I first started out as a freelance translator, social media were still a comparatively new phenomenon, and were being touted as THE new way to do business. Their advocates (basically everyone) hailed them as a trailblazing new way of…
I’ve been doing some major decluttering around our house, and in my office in particular. It’s amazing how much “silt” can build up in one’s desk, cupboards, and shelves! I’m no devotee of minimalism, but there is something very liberating…