20 (or so) questions on how Rachel (@FwdTranslations) works

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20 (or so) questions on how Rachel (@FwdTranslations) works

This series of posts was inspired by Lifehacker’s How I Work series, which I’ve been reading for quite some time and thoroughly enjoy. It’s about time we discover how our colleagues work and get to know them a little better.

If you want to participate in this fun series, send us an email at info@linguagreca.com so we can send you the Word template where you can fill in your answers and your bio (incl. your site/blog/social media links) and then send it back to us as an attachment along with your photo (optional but preferred). If you don’t like any of the questions, just delete them and add your own. You can read the previous interviews here.

Location: Norwich, UK
Current work title: Freelance literary and creative translator
Desired work title: I’m pretty happy with this one – still gives me a buzz
Languages you have studied or currently speak: English is my mother tongue, French and German are my working languages and I have a smattering of Dutch, Spanish and Greek.
The project you’re most proud of: Translating the four Nea Fox novels by Amelia Ellis – it was great to be able to follow through the whole series to date. It was a tight timescale but I never missed a deadline and did (I think) a good job. My very first literary translation, Traitor by Gudrun Pausewang, was also my MA dissertation project and finding a publisher for that was wonderful too.
Your current computer setup: PC with a very wide screen. I have a laptop but prefer to work at the desktop.
Do you own a smartphone? Yes, Sony Xperia.
Favorite time of the day: The moment of quiet just after dropping the boys at school!
Favorite gadget (apart from computer & smartphone): I’m currently in love with a little kitchen gizmo that peels, cores and slices a pineapple all at once.
How many hours per day do you usually work: It varies according to childcare. Anything from 2 to 8, normally.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert.
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? An early riser who keeps going to bed too late!
What do you listen to while you work? Nothing. I used to have the radio on but find it distracting now.

And a few non-work related questions to get more personal 🙂
Your babies or pets: 2 boys aged 6 and 4. No pets.
Next city/country you want to visit: So many… but Alsace and Italy are probably next on the list.
Favorite vacation place: We’ve had some wonderful holidays in Greece, and the Isles of Scilly are magical too.
Favorite book: I find it impossible to narrow down to one, because I’ve loved so many over the years. For a childhood favourite that has stayed with me it would be Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass. Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson also made a big impression on me.
Favorite song: Again it’s hard to choose just one. I love Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald as well as Caro Emerald’s modern take on that style.
What are you currently reading? Paradises by Iosi Havilio, tr. Beth Fowler.

Author bio

Rachel Ward is a freelance translator of literary and creative texts from German and French to English. She lives in Norwich, UK. Check out her website and blog and find her on Twitter.