Hi, I'm Neil.
Inspired by Derek Sivers, this is my Now page. It attempts to outline my current areas of focus. This page was last updated June 2025.
Work
After a decade of full-time copywriting and 26 years of professional writing, AI is instigating unprecedented change.I continue to love writing (and the thinking behind it). Thankfully, over the last few years I've also been able to provide broader, strategic marketing expertise to ambitious teams.Recently I've been:- Exploring consulting opportunities with several growing companies. If this sounds like you, get in touch.- Growing the client list for my executive ghostwriting service.- Planning a post-AI future for Nota Bene Copywriting.
Rest
Maybe it's an age thing. Maybe I want a screen vaccine. But after a day at the computer, I'm increasingly reaching for an analog release.Here's what's keeping me busy:- Photography remains a huge passion. My two cameras are always close by. I try (and inevitably fail) not to buy too many photography books.- I've started carrying a pocket notebook. It helps me avoid smartphone distractions when I need to make a quick note. Try it.- I've reverted back to physical books. The Old Man and The Sea (Hemingway) and The Spy Who Came in From The Cold (Le Carre) have been two good choices this summer. Chris Stewart's tales of life in the Spanish countryside, starting with Driving Over Lemons, are a blueprint for my future.- Unless I can find a Hermes 3000 out in the wild, my typewriter collection has now stopped growing. But their charm remains. An Olympia SM3 and Smith-Corona Sterling are the current favourites.
Play
- I play snooker on the EPSB Seniors Tour. I also enjoy 9-ball pool and hope to qualify for Matchroom's UK Open in 2026.- After 12 years of lessons, my Spanish continues to improve. Hola!- I follow Leeds United. For a couple of seasons in the mid-2000s, I even wrote their matchday programme. Last season was a good one. It may not last.- Running is my nemesis. People assure me runner's high will eventually kick in. I remain sceptical.- My daughter is growing up far, far too fast. The days go by slowly, but the years? They fly.