James Garside

Hi, I'm James Garside. I'm a multimedia journalist, author, and writer. I've been a professional writer for over 25 years — or always unprofessional depending on who you ask. I've had my fiction and non-fiction published. There's even some of my published poetry out there — if you know where to look. But if you ever find it you might end up buried in the woods. I said might. I've worked in publishing, the creative industries, and the third-sector. I'm a freelance writer with bylines in newspapers, magazines, and online. Bylines include The Argus, Big Issue, Hacker Noon, NewsBreak, and Amnesty International. My current work lives on Medium and Substack. Books, a podcast, and courses are in the works. At heart I'm somewhere between a digital nomad, hobo, and hermit. Here's a picture of me, on my travels, trying to look windswept and interesting. Join 1,000+ people on my mailing list if you think you can keep up.

That's All He Wrote

Coming Soon. A collection of my early short stories. All published by hook or by crook back in the day. Gathered together in one place for the first time. Let's call it unfinished business.

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Praise

The highlight of the stories collected here is James Garside's 'American Policeman.' A glimpse into the mind of a disturbed man, it's a well-crafted tale reminiscent of Chris Morris' darker material.

— The Leeds Guide

I've written millions of words. Some of them were fit to print. Writers write, right?

Fiction

My fiction's published in books, anthologies, community publications, and literary magazines. I've performed at various literary and community arts events including Bradford Book Festival. Bradford Book Festival adapted my work for the stage. Urban Space adapted it for a short film. I taught creative writing on residential summer courses for the Gifted and Talented programme at Kilve Court. I also ran adult education workshops at Yorkshire Art Circus. I've worked in publishing, edited books, and offer freelance proofreading and manuscript appraisal.

Articles

I write about everything from art, culture, and politics to tech, travel, and the occult. Sometimes in ways that get me into trouble. I’m also funny. I probably should’ve led with that. Much of my work is on Medium. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Newsletter

Want to keep in touch? I help writers and artists to do their best work. Let's be part of each other's stories. Sign up for the inside track on my creative projects and insights about life, work, and travel. Let me send you the good stuff.

Ready to start a new page in your creative life? Turn to Chapter 23. Join over 1,000 writers, artists, and creatives who already read me on Substack. Subscribe for weekly inspiration and the occasional unhinged rant. Paid subscribers unlock the archives, exclusive benefits, and can chat with me behind-the-scenes. Think of it as a not-so-secret society of creative misfits. Plot twist: You're in charge.

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What am I doing now? Probably drinking tea. Here's what I'm up to at the moment:

• Remote working. Even when on wi-fi from the bottom of my garden. Have laptop, will travel.
• I'm a freelance writer. So I turn tea into words and words into money — that I may choose to spend on books and tea. Sometimes biscuits!
• Living in the present, building the future. On the path to health, wealth, happiness, and freedom — even if I take the scenic route.
• Writing in private. Including books, scripts, and secret projects. Tell no-one.
• Born and bred in West Yorkshire. Left to my own devices I'm off gallivanting around the world, at every opportunity, but my heart is in Japan.
• Building in public. Learning to code. Experimenting with AI. I've got a GitHub repo and everything so I guess that's my life now.

Last updated: April 2025. Inspired by Derek Sivers and part of the nownownow.com project.

Get in touch if you'd like to hire me. Please don't use this form for anything else. Thanks!