At clovio, we aim to write the most thorough content possible. That’s only achievable with extensive research, comprehensive testing, and a vast knowledge of the industries we cover. From England, though living in Portugal at the moment, Rick writes about everything from online fax services to web conferencing software. Moreover, he also steps in as an editor when needed. Despite this, Rick wasn’t always keen on English and only found his love for writing in his twenties. A huge soccer fan, you’ll find him either watching football games, testing craft beer, gaming, or playing around with his two cats. We asked him how he got into writing, why he moved to Portugal and a little advice for people who want to work in content writing.
What is your role in the clovio team?
I’m one of the content writers at clovio, covering various categories for Best Reviews. Typically, I’ll be writing about a wide range of different services and software every week. I occasionally do some of the editing too, which is a nice break from the norm and reading my colleague’s work helps me keep my writing fresh.
How did you get into writing?
Back at school I actually wasn’t very good at English lessons because I was never interested enough, I didn’t even read a book for fun until I was about 20! However, I managed to save my English grades because I always enjoyed doing writing tasks and seemed to be quite good at them. Much later, I started my own blog writing about Manchester United and it gave me the writing bug. From then on, I decided that writing is what I wanted to do professionally, which is good because I had no backup plan.
What do you consider the most important aspect of your role with clovio?
That’s a difficult question, I think the most important thing is making sure all of the content I write is up to clovio’s high standards. It’s not easy, but it’s ultimately satisfying to know that you’re producing good work – I really hope our reviews help people.
What does your ideal work setup look like?
It depends. I like to start my days off sitting on the couch and working with a cup of tea or two. Later in the day I’ll move to my desk, so I don’t end up looking like Quasimodo in the future. If the weather is nice (which it usually is in Portugal) I’ll spend some time working in the garden until I’m worried that either me or my laptop are going to melt. I also have to work around constant interruptions from my cats, Keats and Plath, but I can’t complain.
What do you like to do in your spare time and on weekends?
I’m a big football/soccer fan, so my weekends are usually spent watching Manchester United on TV or going to the stadium to watch Sporting. I’ll watch any other games that are on too, I’m not fussy. I like to play football as well but I’m not very good at it anymore. That might be because I also like to spend my time trying new craft beers at some of the great bars in Lisbon. Although I’m trying my best to do that less often now!
Besides that, I like to watch films (I could spend hours talking about my favorite directors), play video games, and tell myself I’m going to read a book before doing either of the first two things again.
You’re originally from the UK. What made you decide to live in Portugal?
I first visited Lisbon back in 2012 and loved it so much that I decided if I ever got the chance to, I’d move there. I think there’s something special about the city and, of course, the people here are great. Oh, and the weather is a huge bonus too!
I still love my hometown of Manchester though, and I try to go back home to see family and friends as often as I can. However, there are only so many days you can go without seeing the sun before it gets too depressing.
What advice do you have for those who want to work in content writing?
I guess it’s a bit cliche but just keep practicing. No one starts out as a perfect writer, and everyone has their own unique flaws that can only be ironed out by writing more and more. Building a portfolio of work is also very important, whether it’s a personal blog or collection of other pieces of work you’ve written elsewhere, having something to show to potential employers is essential.
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