But anyway, I digress...

But anyway, I digress… from UK-based writer Philip Holyman —— my blog and newsletter that includes things I’ve read, heard or seen that have started living rent-free in my mind (for better or for worse) — with sources fully credited and with external links so you can read, hear or see these things for yourself.

Writing Process

Sep 15, 2026

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3 min read

On painting feet on a snake

I have to overcome, or at least manage, my fear of rejection and humiliation enough to get the ball rolling.

Philip Holyman

Writing Process

On (not) trying, doing, thinking, learning, knowing

Sep 1, 2026

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7 min read

On (not) trying, doing, thinking, learning, knowing

Nothing grows or maintains its size or strength without being fed. Muscles wither; plants wilt; rivers dry up. Minds are exactly the same.

Philip Holyman

Sharing Some Dots

Aug 18, 2026

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5 min read

On ghosting, or the New Professionalism

It is impossible to complain, to reason, to cajole, to argue or to plead with someone if they do not enter into correspondence with you.

Philip Holyman

Writing Process

Aug 4, 2026

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5 min read

On getting close but no cigar

The ball has become the brownest brown it is currently capable of becoming. It will not get any browner, no matter how much more pummelling it receives.

Philip Holyman

Writing Process

Jul 21, 2026

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3 min read

On being too busy writing to write

Out of courageousness, folly or perversity — and I’ll let you decide which — I’m cracking on with my writing.

Philip Holyman

Writing Process

On a craft book that’s actually worth reading

Jun 16, 2026

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2 min read

On a craft book that’s actually worth reading

"Then somebody takes it out of my hands and describes it to me. An astonishing feeling. Now it exists."

Philip Holyman