#i tried to explain how when i was doing my gcse preparations i would take a day to do an essay

[moonlit-orchid]

Sitting here wishing my ADHD was more severe just so people could realise I actually have a problem-

[wolfpawn]

Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Previous Chapter

Chapter Summary -  Paige does an interview at the BBC with a host who very much wishes to see if she can pry information from Paige regarding her relationship with Tom but Paige is aware of such.

Tag, @wolfsmom1 @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog @nonsensicalobsessions@damalseer   @standing-onthe-edge

anyone else who wishes to be added to the tags, just ask :)

Paige tried to settle her nerves. She had done so many interviews before, this would be no different. Yes, they could mention Tom, in fact, she was sure they would, but she had prepared herself for almost anything they could throw at her. Though most of the time, her work in media had been to do with her books, something she was well versed on, she decided to study her new topic of conversation that she was certain she would have in Tom. She read his interviews, she recalled his mother's comments, his conversations with her on different matters and compiled what would be sure-to-be asked questions and appropriate answers that she would need to know to keep up the pretence of a relationship with the actor.

She smiled as the radio station manager showed her where to sit in the studio and offered her some water. “Please, if it’s no bother.”

“Of course.”

She looked at the headset in front of her and took a deep breath before readying herself more.

“Ms Winters?” She looked to the side to see the radio host, Davina Curren looking at her. “Hello, thank you for your time. I can imagine you are a busy woman.”

“Please, just Paige. I am more than happy to oblige. I haven’t been here in over two years. You were in the evening slot then, weren’t you? I remember I used to listen to you on the Underground on the way home from different things. I loved your piece on Aristotle you discussed with the College Professor from London.”

Davina’s face became more animated on hearing Paige knew her work. “Wow, thank you. Yes, that was an interesting piece. Well, as Mike, the manager here would have told you, we will discuss mostly your work and if there is time at the end, some other bits and pieces.”

“Yes, he said. We’ll see what we get through.” She smiled politely.

“Well, we start in three so we will get ready now.” Davina indicated for her to put on her headphones before sitting in her own seat and doing the same. “You put the volume to a level that suits and please remember to speak clearly into the microphone, you can adjust it as required.”

“Okay.” Paige did so to allow her close to the microphone with comfort.

When the light flashed for thirty seconds, she readied herself.

“Can you hear me?” Davina checked.

“I can indeed.”

“Perfect, let’s begin.” The light ceased flashing and turned on fully. “Good morning, Britain, Davina Curren here with you again on this lovely Thursday morning, and my guest today is a woman that has been in a few of the celebrity headlines of late but whose name has been gracing the more prestigious world of literature for the better part of the last decade, Britain's very own Paige Winters, author of many pieces but most known for ‘Rumour Has It’, the Costa book of the year in 2016. Paige thank you for joining us in the studio here today.”

“Thank you for having me.”

“So, we will start at the beginning, what got you into writing?”

“Well, there’s no straight forward answer to that.”

“Surely you had some inkling, even in school?”

“Interestingly, when I was doing my GCSEs, I had this teacher who literally told me I had no right to be doing English. I could not comprehend the work and if I passed, it would be a miracle.”

“Really?”

“No, honestly. She had no faith in me. Thankfully, she retired that summer and the most incredible teacher, Benjamin Shakespeare, no relation to the playwright we checked, came in to fill the void and honestly, I would not be in this profession today had he not sat me down one day and talked to me about why I wanted to keep on English with such mediocre grades. Being honest, I loved English, I loved literature, but that other teacher drained my love of it but on her retirement, I hoped I could regain my love for it. Thankfully, he was able to see I had some potential and allowed me to remain in his class.”

“And that was it?”

“Sort of. I did a piece the summer before and sent it into a competition. I didn't think anything of it, I thought at the time I didn't send it to the right place or it was not good enough, in fact, I did and on the 8th of February, 2005, Blue Peter published my story as part of their short stories book. I knew then that I wanted to write and see my name on the cover of books.”

“That's amazing.”

“Yes, I still have the original Blue Peter book I was sent for writing a contribution to it, my mum has it safe at their house.”

“So you have a Blue Peter badge too.”

“Yes, I do. It is in my jewellery box to this day.”

“That's lovely. So, can I ask, your books, they're not conventional love stories, are they?”

“I personally don't class them as romance if I'm honest. They are stories that have romance in them, yes, it's true, but that is merely a part of it, not the entire basis of the story.” Paige explained.

“Is that how you see life in general?”

“Well, yes. Romance is not the reason to live but an enhancement of the act of living, in my opinion.”

“And your characters are always strong women.”

“Every woman has her own strength, it's not always conventional muscles and power strength. Strength is different things to different people. A person who is kind, even when others are not kind to them. Someone who suffers some form of pain and stands straight again after. I try to display that in my work so women of differing personal strengths can relate to the situation at hand. In writing, you need to make the character relatable for it to resonate with the reader.”

“People seemed to resonate with an alien ice-being with magic more than actual human characters before.” Davina pointed out.

Paige knew she was clearly referencing Loki. “Yes, because of the portrayal of said ice-being and how well the character was acted out. People gravitate towards characters that are well portrayed and in that case, the most relatable and likeable character was the abandoned ice baby, raised on lies who, on realising it was all a lie was acted with anger, resentment, feeling incredibly inadequate, these are things that people feel empathy for.”

Davina looked at her for a moment before returning to other questions. “What book would you say would be a personal favourite of yours that people would not usually agree with?”

“Of my own or of another author's work?”

“Another author's.”

“People are startled when I say this though it is a very common choice but Pride and Prejudice.”

“You don't seem the type for conventional romance stories.”

“But you see, that's the thing. It's not conventional, or it wasn't, not in its day, it was groundbreaking in many respects. I was asked before at a gathering of friends if I could time travel just once into the past, when and where would I choose, and why. I said England, 1813, a week or so after that book was published and my reason being; that for a woman of no significant name, wealth or titles to decline the hand of a man of such considerable wealth and standing and citing her reasoning for such at a time where to do so was unheard of would have been an incredible experience. You know men were appalled by it, women of a certain mindset would have been scandalised by it and amongst them all, young women flabbergasted and enthralled. It would be called feminism in the modern age.”

“But she went and wed him in the end.”

“Yes, once both put aside their pride and prejudice. In it, you also see Elizabeth grow, acknowledge her own faults and become a better person too. I think a lot of people need to realise we all have negative faults we need to look at in ourselves too and Austin married it accordingly in her main characters, but also that people do change or at the very least, acknowledge themselves they are not perfect and work on it.”

“And you have faults?”

“Find me a person who claims they are without fault and I will show you a liar.”

“What would you say is your greatest fault?”

Paige thought for a moment. “I don't know which would stand over others, but I would say that I often lack social etiquette in particular situations. I don't believe in entertaining ideas of grandeur and in my world, many would argue that to be a considerable fault.”

“Many would commend that too.”

“Most people say they like an honest opinion until they receive one they do not like.” Paige countered.

“True.” The radio presenter agreed. “You pride yourself in never having to do too much publicity to sell your books, so I have to ask, do you still feel that way now, in your current situation?”

“I don't follow.”

“Well, since you went public with your current relationship, as I stated at the beginning of the show, you are now in the celebrity news for being with one of the most eligible men in Britain, surely you've noticed the increase in sales for your work? That is mostly due to the publicity of your relationship.”

“Well, I would argue it was not as though it was decided to go public since it was a photographer taking a photograph of a private brunch that alerted the world to this information, not a conscious decision to declare it publicly that made this information known, but yes, I am aware of the renewed increased sales and I have little doubt that that has been in part due to people hearing my name for what is, to them, the first time and deciding to see if they like my work resulting in these figures.”

“Do you think you will become a charity shop book now?”

“I have no idea nor do I have a say in it. I cannot force people to like my work, nor would I wish to force it as I believe in 'a pat on the back, not a pat on the head’. I want to be acknowledged for my work and it's quality, not because of the company I keep or who I may choose to be in a relationship with.”

“So you are not upset that many of your newest followers are only discovering you by these means?”

“Not everyone discovers the same people at the same time. Some only learn about certain authors, actors and singers after they have been around a while, for whatever reason, this is the very same. My soon-to-be sister-in-law only heard of Saoirse Ronan from her part in Mary Queen of Scots even though she has been the lead role in many movies and has been around since Atonement. That is not something to ridicule. People are only hearing of me now because of whatever reason, I am delighted they are and truly hope the like my work.”

“You are close to your family, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I consider family the most important thing in my life, my brother, his fiancée, my parents, they are so precious to me.”

“It must also be hard being in your current situation, supporting your significant other in a role centred around being betrayed when you, yourself have a similar experience.”

Paige shifted anxiously. “Well, I do not dwell on the past, it’s not a healthy way to live life.”

“But you were cheated on by your fiance, weren’t you? And to be with a man now that in many people’s eyes split up a music couple, how do you marry that?”

“I am not sure if that sort of drama-fishing warrants an answer if I’m honest. The only people who need to take account of their actions are those who are the guilty parties, namely, those who elect to cheat, I am told there was no infidelity there and until such time as I am led to believe otherwise, I would not speculate to such.”

“Do you like her, Taylor?”

“I don’t know three things about her. I never really found myself listening to her music, I never was overly into pop, so that is not a slight on anyone. I know the name to hear, of course, I don't live under a rock but I don't know her in any manner that would cause me to form an opinion on her as an individual.” Paige stated diplomatically, uncomfortable with the situation.

“And have you been to the play?”

“I have actually, yes. I quite enjoyed it too.”

“You seem somewhat startled by that.”

“I stated in the not too distant past that I did not feel it to be the best of Pinter's work due to him writing it with the aspect of the one being cheated on as a main point when he clearly cannot comprehend the sensation. The actors and actresses that put their hearts into the roles, the stage crew, everyone backstage, they put everything into this and it shows. I cannot commend them enough, they brought it to life brilliantly.”

“So what is next for you?”

“I am not sure really. I find I am asked that and indeed, asking myself that a lot of late. I still scribble a few things down, to keep myself fresh, but of yet, nothing is really coming to me.”

“Do you think it is partly because of a content home life? Having another you can depend on surely makes you complacent in many ways, I know when I got married, my husband’s income really gave me the security to try and get the job I sought.”

“I think there is a considerable difference between someone leaning on their spouse for support and leaning on those they are not so bound to. I always prided myself, since the day after my A-levels, of having my own income. My parents assisted me until then, I would never deny it, something not everyone is lucky to afford, and I don’t ever plan on that changing. I think it is imperative people have security in themselves if possible when doing something like writing a book. I wrote four pieces that were outright ignored before I ever even got a hint of interest from a publishing house. While doing that, I needed to afford to live and that meant housing that I am fairly sure dogs in a kill shelter reside in, because this is London, after all, and two jobs, one as a receptionist and one in my local all-night cafe. Even now, I make sure I am smart with my finances and this is the life of a writer, I would very much want others to understand, not everyone turns to JK Rowling with millions, or in her case for a short time, billion, in the bank. Even George RR Martin is not as wealthy as people think and though it affords him a comfortable life, writers rarely are that well off and if you are expecting others to fund you, especially in this world, you may be a long time looking.” Paige could see the presenter didn’t like her going off course slightly, but she used a technique to volley the conversation into a more impersonal and vague area.

Davina frowned as she realised Paige would not say or do anything controversial as a guest, to which Paige smiled politely back. “Good sound advice there. What do you think of Tom’s online fans, they are enthusiastic and protective of him, aren’t they?”

“I do believe so, yes. I am not a big fan of social media myself. I don’t do Instagram or Twitter and my Facebook is dormant for nearly two years at this stage. I think personally, I am more at home in a less technological era. I would have done well back in the eighties, I think.” She laughed. “With regards fans, people gravitate towards some people. They hold your attention more than others do and some for the wrong reasons, some for some very right ones. Some people light up the room they are in, they smile and are wonderful people and of course, people would want to be around that and wish to project towards that, I cannot blame them. It is great and alluring quality.”

“You don’t seem to mention Tom by name,” Davina noted.

Paige laughed slightly. “I don’t seem to have to really, do I? I think people will know who I am referencing, those who care for such things, those who do not will be glad not to be bombarded with it.”

“Not really no.” Davina looked at Paige’s polite smile. It was clear Paige was studying every question before answering, making sure not to say anything that could be construed as controversial. “Finally, is there any advice you have for young aspiring people, not just in your own field, but in general?”

“Well, I suppose the best thing I can say is not something I personally have said. But I think it is a great quote. ‘Never, ever, let anyone tell you what you can and can't do. Prove the cynics wrong. Pity them for they have no imagination’.”

*

Tom huffed slightly as he listened to the words Paige spoke on his phone, Luke beside him.

“What’s so funny?” Luke asked curiously.

“That’s something I said.” Tom pointed out.

“She’s done her homework. Oscar said she is thorough, I didn’t realise how much so.” Luke commended. “She handled that perfectly.”

“She’s an incredible and intelligent woman.” Tom agreed.

Luke studied his friend/client carefully, noting the manner in which he smiled as he listened to Paige speak.

[thomascstanier]

My GCSE Revision Advice

GCSEs are important; they’re an experience that every British pupil has to go through. With the recent overhauling of the system and their difficulty significantly increasing, here are some tips based on my experiences. First and foremost, “revision” - a word that we’re all acquainted with - is something that is often referred to, but never truly explained. How does one “revise efficiently”? To answer the question, there is no singular way to revise efficiently. Rather, revision is unique to every student; we all learn in different ways. As part of their GCSE preparation, many students are taught the VAK model of revision which classifies learners into one of 3 categories - Visual Learners, Auditory Learners and Kinesthetic Learners. Visual Learners learn through diagrams, mind-maps and tables. Auditory Learners learn through being told information, for example from videos or voice recordings. A Kinesthetic Learner learns through physical activities. However, as a student, this model frustrated me. I didn’t singularly fit into any of the three ways of learning. Instead, I found many methods of learning to be effective. Sometimes I would simply take notes from textbooks, reading over them whenever I had a chance. If I was too uninspired to solely write notes or read through them, a YouTube video based on the subject would suffice. Watching videos that encompassed the subjects I was studying and then transferring the notes into my revision notepad was extremely useful. Listening and then writing down information meant that I had processed the information more thoroughly.

 I also found recording revision notes in my phone’s voice memo app and listening back to them allowed me to easily consolidate information. A combination of various revision methods ensures that you will remember and retain the information you are revising. Whilst revision is important, relaxation is just as essential. A classic problem in 21st-century society is the work/life balance. My problem with revision was that I didn’t know when a break was necessary. Whenever you feel like you can’t possibly take any more information in for one night, please put the books down. Treat yourself to a snack, take a walk outside, or hang out with friends. I also recommend pre-planning your revision by utilising a revision timetable. With a timetable your time for revision is set and limited, meaning that you are aware of when you should be revising and when you should be relaxing. Designing a timetable should be based on the confidence you have in your subjects. If you are unconfident in a subject then prioritise more time towards that one subject. 

The danger of stress should also be considered when revising. The summer holiday after my exams was meant to be a period of relaxation and rest. However, due to the constant pressure and stress I put myself under, my holiday was nowhere near relaxing. I was burnt out completely from revision and spent most of my holiday indoors feeling like a zombie, fretting over the impending doom of results day. Anxiety and constant tiredness were the telltale symptoms that I was experiencing burnout, something that could have been easily prevented. As hard as it sounds, it is important to forget the prospect of results day and instead simply enjoy yourself after GCSEs. The moment exams end your main concentration should be on enjoying yourself. Whilst many students receive transition work in preparation for sixth form, the prolonged length of the summer holiday means that you can do 2 pieces a week and still complete it all on time. Whilst GCSEs are important, they are not the end of the world. Your life won’t be over if they don’t go well - they are not the decisive factor in whether you’ll be “successful” in life. If you’ve tried your best and put in the maximum possible amount of effort then you can’t possibly do anything more. When you open that results letter, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 

Originally published in the Manor School Sixth Form Newsletter http://www.manorschool.northants.sch.uk/wp-content/files/Feb_2019_FINAL.pdf

[notwithout-mymuse]

Hi please can we have a fic where Liv gets a college interview to study art and Aaron and Robert are each trying to help her get in? Thank you.

I’m sorry this took so long mylovely nonnie, but I hope you like it! Strangely I’d already written most of thefirst part before you sent the prompt, so we must be on the samewavelength!

Fits into my Roblivion ‘Stars’Verse, but works as a stand-alone piece too.

–

Fic: Stars in your Eyes

Liv talks non-stop all the wayhome from her Sixth-Form options evening. Robert watches her in the passengerside mirror as they pass under street-lights, the orange glow illuminating theexcited blush on her cheeks.

“…and did you see the artroom, those canvas drawings were so cool…”

Robert likes hearing her soenthusiastic, but he can also see that Aaron’s knuckles are tighter than usualon the steering wheel, and he’s chewing his lip like he always does when he’sdebating whether to say something or not.

“..didn’t you think so?” Livsays, bringing her rant to a halt.

“Yeah, it was great!” Robertsays, not completely sure which part she was talking about, but she doesn’tseem to notice.

“What about you Aaron?” Sheprompts, when her brother remains silent.

“Yeah, good.”

“You could be a bit moreenthusiastic. You were the one who wanted me to stay on in school after myGCSEs, remember?” Liv huffs.

“Yeah, sorry. It’s just a lotto take in.” Aaron says, but he’s still biting his lip, so Robert knows thatthere’s more he’s not saying.

–

Robert makes them all tea whenthey get home, and the three of them gather around the kitchen table with theirmugs, the surface strewn with application forms and glossy college brochures.Poppy, their golden retriever, lays down under the table, her chin resting onAaron’s socked foot.

“We should look through theoption lists, to make sure you can fit all the subjects you want to do in yourtimetable.” Robert suggests, keen to redirect Liv’s positive energy into somepractical plans.

The two of them spend the nextfew minutes highlighting and making notes on the papers, until they’re leftwith an application that reads:

Application for A-Level Studies

Name: Olivia Flaherty

Subject 1: Art & Design

Subject 2: Photography

Subject 3: Drama

Subject 4: Media Studies

“What do ya think?” Liv asks,pushing the sheet of paper towards Aaron, who has been quiet so far, choosingto sit back and watch them while sipping his tea.

“Yeah… I mean, as long asyou’re sure that those are the best choices.” Aaron says uncertainly.

“What do ya mean, the bestchoices? They’re the ones I like so…” Liv trails off, obviously waiting forAaron to explain.

Aaron sighs as he puts his mugdown, rubbing his forehead, before responding carefully.

“I just thought… maybe itwould be worth… picking a couple of subjects that are a bit, I dunno, safer.”

“Safer?” Liv asks sharply, herface already deeply unimpressed.

Robert cringes internally,already knowing that this isn’t going to go down well.

“Liv, of course I want you todo what you enjoy, but I think you should also be a bit… practical. Thesubjects you’ve chosen are all great, but creative subjects…they might be quitehard to get a job with…”

“So what you’re saying is I’mnot good enough to do it!” Liv cuts across him, clearly angry now.

“What? No! Of course that’snot what I meant!” Aaron says, alarmed that she’d jumped to that conclusion.

“Look I‘m sure Aaron didn’tmean…” Robert starts, but Liv is having none of it now. She shoves away fromthe table, her chair legs scraping loudly on the floor, causing Poppy to jumpup in alarm, skittering away towards the sofa.

“Forget it! You obviouslydon’t care what I want, so what’s the point!” Liv yells, shoving theapplication papers on the floor, and stomping off up the stairs.

Robert sighs, drains the restof the tea from his mug, and sets about collecting the papers scattered allover the floor.

“What?” Aaron demands,obviously in a confrontational mood now. “Do you think I’m wrong?”

“Not necessarily” Robert saysdiplomatically, as he takes their mugs over to the sink.

“Then why aren’t you backingme up here?” Aaron counters.

Robert sighs as he returns tohis seat.

“I don’t think you’re wrongAaron. Careers in art, or drama, or whatever can be hard. But Liv is gettingolder, and she’s going to start making her own decisions. I just think it’sbest if we support her, that’s all.”

Aaron looks conflicted, soRobert tries to explain.

“Look, when I was a kid, mydad was adamant that I was going to be a farmer, pretty much from the second Iwas born, and in a lot of ways it made sense. The farm was established, I’dhave had my family around me, I wouldn’t have needed to worry all that muchabout school. There was just one thing he never considered, and that was what Iwanted to do.”

“I couldn’t imagine you as afarmer.” Aaron says, snorting.

“Neither could I, and that wasthe problem.” Robert tells him, sighing. “My dad was fuming when I finallyplucked up the courage to tell him, acted like I’d let him down and betrayedthe family. He could never understand why I’d give up a cosy, ready-madecareer. I think he thought I was doing in out of spite, but I wasn’t, I justwanted more from my life. Even if ‘more’ was harder, or took longer.”

Aaron’s face is softer now,more understanding, as he reaches to squeeze Robert’s hand on top of the table.

“And now I’m doing the samething to Liv.” Aaron says, guilt colouring his voice.

“No.” Robert tells him firmly.“You and my dad are nothing alike. I don’t think you were wrong to warn herabout the difficulties, because you’re right, it might be harder for her and Ithink she needs to know that. But that girl upstairs, she’s tough, and smart,and resilient, and I like to think we’ve helped her be like that.”

“I know. I just can’t helpwanting to wrap her in cotton wool, especially after the childhood she’s had.It would break my heart to watch her struggle or fail at something that sheloves.”

“Well, even if she does, shewon’t be doing it alone will she? Whatever happens we’ll be there for her.”

“Yeah… yeah you’re right.”Aaron says, expression soft as he leans across the corner of the table to presshis lips to Robert’s.

“Ugh! Can we skip the soppycrap and get to the apologies part please!” Liv’s voice echoes suddenly. As themen turn their heads towards the stairs, they can see her trainers at the topof the spiral staircase, where she’s clearly sitting, just out of sight,listening to them talk.

–

“Okay… run through it one moretime.”

“Ugh! Again?” Liv complains, floppingdramatically onto the note-strewn table.

“Um, Rob? Maybe Liv shouldtake a break. We’ve been going over the notes for her interview for hours now.”

“There’s nothing wrong with beingprepared.” Robert insists.

“I know!” Aaron reassures him,squeezing his husband’s knee under the table to try and ease the sting of whathe says next. “But honestly, I think you’re stressing her out more now.”

“Told ya.” Liv mutters.

“Why don’t you go watch someTV and chill out for a bit, then you need to get a good night’s sleep.” Aarontells his grumpy sister.

“Can I play xbox?” She asks,cheering up instantly, already heading towards the TV.

“Only for an hour, but go on.”Aaron calls after her, before turning back to Robert.

“Look I didn’t mean…”

“I was just trying to help.”Robert says, obviously in a strop to rival Liv herself now.

“I know, and you have! Me an’Liv wouldn’t have had a clue how to prepare for a college interview without ya.I just don’t want either of us putting too much pressure on her, that’s all.”

“Yeah Rob!” Liv’s teasingvoice floats across the room.

“Oi. Just because he’s beingpushy, doesn’t mean you should be ungrateful!” Aaron tells her.

“Alright, point taken.” Robertsays to both of them, holding his hands up in surrender.

“Good.” Aaron says, snatchingup the spare xbox controller from the shelf. “Now who’s arse am I kickingfirst?”

–

“Liv, if you’re going to keeppacing, go outside. You’re doing my head in.” Aaron snaps, as Liv stomps aroundthe kitchen for the fifth time in ten minutes.

“You’re sure the post hasn’tbeen yet? What if Poppy ate it?” Liv frets, wringing her hands.

“Yes, we’re sure.” Robert saysreassuringly, sipping at his morning coffee, the calm influence between twojittery siblings waiting for Liv’s letter from the college admissionsdepartment.

When the letter box finallydoes rattle, Liv stops pacing. Only now she seems too frozen to move, so Robertgoes over to retrieve the envelope.

“Sit down and open it then.”Robert tells her, tossing the one letter with Liv’s name on down onto the tablein front of her. Liv just slumps into the seat, looking pale, and makes no moveto pick it up.

“I can’t look” she says, hervoice strained.

“Don’t be daft, just open it.”Aaron argues.

“You do it then.” Liv snipesback.

“Oh for god’s sake, I’ll do it.” Robert says, snatching upthe envelope, unable to bear the atmosphere anymore.

He reads the letter throughthoroughly, despite the two sets of eyes burning into him.

“Well?” Aaron demands.

“I’m so sorry Liv.” Robertsays evenly, avoiding her downcast eyes. “It looks like you’re going to have tostay in school a bit longer.”

“Wait, what?” She asks,confused.

“They’ve offered you a place.You got in!” Robert tells her, a grin spreading across his face.

Robert isn’t sure which hitshim harder, the punch to the shoulder that Aaron gives him for teasing them, orthe blow to his torso as Liv barrels into him for a hug.

“I actually did it.” Liv saysbreathlessly, as she turns to give Aaron an equally big hug.

“Course you did!” Aaron tellsher, kissing the top of her head. “I think this calls for a celebrationbreakfast at the caff. What do ya say?”

“Hell yeah!”

“Definitely.”

[lewishamledger]

Lord of the ring

Dan Azeez caught the boxing bug while at university and turned professional last year. The Lewisham local, who shares a management company with legendary fighters Tyson Fury and Carl Frampton, is a star on the rise

Words: Luke G Williams; Photo: Lima Charlie 

Boxing is traditionally seen as an effective antidote to a misspent or wayward youth – but in the case of Lewisham light-heavyweight prospect Dan Azeez, it was the firm hand of a strong mother who believed in the power of education that pushed him in the right direction, rather than the discipline engendered by the “sweet science”.

“I was born and bred in Lewisham and I’ve lived in the area all of my life,” says the engaging 27-year-old when we meet.

“I’m one of six children brought up by a single mum. I’ve got another three younger brothers too, so it’s been tough for her. But she’s a real strong woman and mother to have raised four boys and keep us in check.

“Growing up I was often in a bit of trouble here and there. Academically I was quite a bright kid though, so I got my GCSEs and A-levels, but at random times I was mixing with the wrong people in the area and was getting into trouble and whatnot.

“After I finished my A-levels I didn’t want to go to university. I just wanted to stay on the streets. My mum wouldn’t have it though, so she drove me up to Essex University, where I’d been accepted to study accounting and finance. She was adamant that I went. She’d worked hard for us all and she wanted to bring me up right so I could go to university.

“I didn’t necessarily have a passion for the subject but I did want my mum to be proud of me. I’d put her through quite a lot growing up, and thought there wasn’t a better way to thank her than getting my degree and finishing uni.”

Dan didn’t only finish university, he positively excelled, subsequently staying on beyond his original three-year degree course to successfully complete a master’s. It was also at university that he was bitten by the boxing bug.

“Growing up I’d often had fights on the streets or at school, but I’d never found a boxing club,” he explains. “I tried once when I was 14 or 15, but the gym was full up and I never went back. The next time I tried to go to a gym was in Colchester while I was at university.

“I’m quite an eager person, I wanted to get in there and spar and fight straightaway, but I soon learned you have to take your time. You can’t run before you can walk. So I learned the basics, had one fight, which I lost and then my university opened up a boxing club, so I joined that and I had about 60 or 70 fights.

“When I did my master’s, I got a bit of sports funding and by then I was representing the university at national level. I liked being up in Colchester as it kept me away from any of the bad stuff in south London. It kept me out of trouble.”

As his interest in the sport grew, two iconic pugilists provided Dan with particular inspiration – the great American Roy Jones Jr and fellow south Londoner David Haye.

“I remember I came across some Jones and Haye highlight reels,” he recalls. “I watched them and was like, ‘Wow! Who are these guys?’ The way they threw punches together made a combat sport look like an art. Boxing isn’t just crash bang wallop, there’s an art to it.”

Although his academic credentials would have opened the door to numerous employment opportunities, Dan’s fast-developing boxing talents persuaded him to turn professional in 2017.

“As an amateur, I was always getting to finals of the nationals and so on, and would lose by a small margin, which was frustrating,” he recalls. “A lot of people would come up to me and say, ‘Your style would suit the professional game much more.’

“I’d never thought about going professional, but then I also sparred with some really top-class professionals and did well and I thought, ‘You know what, maybe I should give it a go.’ Lots of people were telling me I could go far.”

Dan made his professional debut in December and has won all three of his bouts so far, two by knockout. Unlike many prospects, who are wrapped in cotton wool early in their careers, he admirably states his intention to stay as active as possible, and as dedicated as he can to developing his craft.

“This is my first year as a pro,” he says. “And I want to advance as quickly as possible. My first few fights are about learning, not earning. After that I can focus on earning and preparing for the big stages.

“By the end of the year I’m looking to have had eight fights in total. A lot of prospects aren’t fighting enough. I’ve got to get out there and build my support.

“The day I stop learning is when I’ll call it quits. I want to work on my boxing IQ, being a bit more aware in the ring. That’s what separates good fighters from the greats. I’m quite heavy-handed – it might not look that way from the outside, but if you’re in there with me you soon realise how hard I hit.”

While superstars such as Anthony Joshua may earn millions of pounds per fight, many people don’t realise that fighters at the beginning of their careers often have to make do on small purses that are reliant on the number of tickets they sell for the events at which they appear.

Dan admits this is the toughest aspect of his day-to-day life as a pro boxer. “Right now, that’s the hardest thing,” he says. “Particularly if you’re not on a big platform or stage.

“You can’t be half-hearted. It’s not just about training, you also have to sell a certain amount of tickets just to pay for your opponent and get your name out there. That in itself is challenging. I have to persuade people to invest in me, to buy tickets and whatnot.”

Sponsorship would aid Dan immensely and as an articulate and educated young man who possesses a winning smile, it’s clear to see that he would be a great ambassador for any local businesses wanting to take a plunge into the professional sporting arena.

“Of course, I’m looking for sponsorship to help support and develop my career,” he confirms. “I’m still in the embryonic stages – I’m not on the big stages yet – but if I carry on developing my career as I am at the moment, I hopefully will be in the future.

“I’ve regularly appeared on iFL TV’s YouTube channel, and they’re one of the biggest boxing channels in the country with something like 300,000 subscribers. So if anyone’s looking to sponsor me I can definitely bring some light on to their names on platforms like that. My following is growing all the time.”

As Dan builds his career, he will be aided by the fact he is guided by the prominent boxing management company MTK Global.

“MTK manage some really high-profile fighters such as Tyson Fury, Carl Frampton and so on,” he explains. “They’ve got a good platform and great links with Frank Warren, one of the top promoters in the UK. So I’m hoping their platform will help me get my name out there even more.”

His financial background also looks set to place him in good stead. “To be fair, right now I’m not earning enough to have issues with what to do with my money,” he laughs.

“But I know in the future my accountancy and finance studies will come in useful because money is an area where a lot of boxers come unstuck, going bankrupt or what have you because they can’t handle their finances.

“That financial background I can use to my advantage when I hopefully advance my career in the future.”

Hearteningly, Dan is also determined to present himself in a restrained, respectful and professional manner and not indulge in the sort of “trash-talking” histrionics that sometimes blight boxing.

“It’s definitely important how I represent myself to the public and that I conduct myself in a way that young people can look up to,” he says. “I want to put myself and boxing in a good light. I’m quite old-school like that.

“The people I admire are boxers like Anthony Joshua, he’s a great ambassador for the sport and you don’t see him out there acting the fool. If he can get to where he is without trash-talking, then why can’t I?”

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To buy tickets for Dan’s fights, contact him via Facebook or drop him a line on Twitter or Instagram @dan_azeez.

[wiktoriafmp]

FINAL EVALUATION

My idea for this project was to do an Alice in wonderland inspired theme as its one of my favourite movies and I really enjoy portraiture and fashion like photography so I thought this was a good idea, but I wanted to make it more unique and different than the original Alice in wonderland so I decided to make it a horror version. My ideas had changed quite a bit throughout the project, at first I was going to do a normal version of Alice in wonderland and the dark version but the weather wasn’t too good throughout the project which wasn’t helpful as I had to shoot on location. I was going to shoot 3 characters; The mad hatter, Alice and the queen of hearts, I have managed to get the first 2 done but the weather was terrible for the rest of the week and I couldn’t get the queen of hearts shoot done but that’s okay. I’m happy with the outcome of the images that I managed to get done. I have also edited them and used some photomontage to make them look more interesting and creepy. I think the work I produced showed what my concept was about and highlights it.

I have done quite a bit of contextual research one of them being the reason why the queen of hearts is the way that she is. I have also done some research about the black swan which I did near the start of the project but soon realised that it didn’t save so I had to research it again; But it’s similar to my concept, the fact that things aren’t always want they seem, that people change and go mad. It really influenced my work as I wanted to get the point across that there’s always a dark side to everything, nothing in life is ever so perfect. In the original Alice in wonderland everyone is so nice to Alice and they help her when in reality there will be people that won’t like you and won’t want to help.

I have used maths and English in this project too. With the planning and evaluating my images. I have also made a blog post about how much my favourite YouTuber earns. I have proofread my blog posts to make sure all my gramma is correct. I think my evaluation skills were okay, explained my plans for the shoots well and the actual photos in my opinion because I said what I did, what equipment I used and the lenses and why I used them.

I’m really pleased with my final images because although I didn’t get to do all the shoots I was planning to and wanted to do. I think the images I do have are really nice, I didn’t expect they would come out so well. I spent a lot of time and effort sorting out all the costumes that’s why I didn’t shoot them right away. I had to prepare and think about what I need to get to make the costumes look as good as they possibly can and so that they fit the Alice in wonderland theme. It was really hard to find the clothes for the mad hatter at first but I managed to get through it. I designed the Hat myself, I brought a blank black top hat and decorated it to make it look more interesting and adding characteristics from the mad hatter.

My main artist influences are Matthew Sperzel, Kirsty Mitchell and Anka Zhuravleva but I have found other artists and styles that helped me with ideas throughout the project. For my primary research I have visited Anthony gardens but unfortunately I couldn’t shoot there because it was closed. I think I have done a lot of relevant research, all of the research I’ve done links into my project in one way or another, I have used Kirsty Mitchell as a inspiration to do on location shoots that bring fashion into it. I have used Matthew Sperzel as the main influence for my images with Alice, the way she’s posing and the blood on her hands and dress. Fantasy, horror, fashion photography is my favourite alongside portraiture. It was really good to research other artists and find out interesting things about them and see new images and get fresh ideas and inspirations from them. I have come across really fantastic artists throughout this project.

Some of the techniques that I have used in this project are definitely my Photoshop skills and using the stuff I already know and using it in my project for example photomontage, I have used it with the blood splatters on Alice’s dress and some on her face to make the images look creepier and more exciting rather than plain, with the plain dress, the blood splatters add meaning to the images and makes it suit the concept. I have also used a 50mm lens for the shots in this project as I wanted to get a good shallow depth of field in almost all of the images to make it more interesting and almost giving us a dizzy effect. I have definitely pushed myself to do new things as I usually tend to leave my images edited minimally to give them a natural effect but in this project I have used photomontage for the blood splatters which I think make the images better, if they weren’t there I think the images would look plain.

Think I planned my time really well, I prepared myself for each shoot and planned what day I’m going to shoot it which I found useful because I don’t really usually plan I like to just go with it but I found it easier setting yourself a mini deadline/ date for the shoot and keeping to it, gives you time to prepare and think of ideas and keeps you motivated in a way. I think I was really organised, planned shoots for weeks ahead and kept to them except one due to the weather conditions being bad and not being able to go for a shoot. I think I did well with my time and got the project finished before the deadline which is good. I used a time plan table and wrote down what day I’m going to be doing what and what I’m going to need.

I think I have improved massively throughout the academic year. When I joined the course I didn’t have a single clue how to use Photoshop and I haven’t used a dslr camera before and I think that I have come so far already during the first year with my photography. I haven’t done any previous studying on photography because my secondary school didn’t have an option to do GCSE photography which was a shame but I chose art and I think I still try to use art in my work, for example with Alice in wonderland all the makeup and costumes and the sceneries making the images art works. I have even made the mad hatter’s hat. I have designed the cards in one of the shoots adding quotes and blood smears. Even with the cup shoot I have taken some ripped bits of pages out of a book and used paint as the blood in the cup, to make it more interesting. I have put a lot of effort behind this project to make sure it comes out the best It can. I have managed my stress levels really well even though it was a little bit of a shame that I didn’t get to do the final shoot of the queen of hearts but I’m happy with my outcome. I learnt a lot about professionalism as one of the tasks was being briefed by a client, at Mt Edgecumbe to shoot for them for commercial purposes which was a fantastic opportunity. The brief from the client was easy, we just had to take landscapes of the estate and make it looks amazing so that people will want to go there and use it as a movie set. I think I did well in this briefing because I thought about what the client wanted and tried to get the best images, I did some close up images and some wide angle images of the estate, I think I did well because some people didn’t really meet the brief with their images as they did to many close up images of flowers for example which wasn’t what the client wanted. The good points in this project were that I got some good images out of it but when the bad point was that I had to cancel one of them due to the weather which is a shame.

If I had more time I would definitely do more shoots and more characters I would invest all the money I had to, to get the best outcome possible. But I’m pleased with the outcome of this project and images even though it would have been even better if I was able to do more shoots.

In one of the group crits where we printed off some of our best images, mine was picked out by a classmate, she said she really liked the idea of my project and the way I presented the images which was really heartwarming that someone thought my work stood out for them out of the whole class. I got some good feedback on the actual print saying that the depth of field suits the atmosphere in the photos and some people said that I could experiment and make them darker which I tried and changed them so they’re darker, added a vignette and I really like them with it.