20 (or so) questions on how Clair (@LexMTraductions) 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: le Perche, rural Normandy, 2 hours west of Paris, midday between Chartres and Le Mans
Desired location: The Brittany coast. Though I’d settle for anywhere by the sea!
Current work title: Freelance translator
Desired work title: I love my job so I’m quite happy with the current title! Though, in another life, I’d be a journalist for a rock magazine!
Languages you have studied or currently speak: French, from high school through to university, and it’s the language I use every day now. I also studied Japanese for three years though for various reasons, never got to use it outside the classroom. I will … one day, I’ve promised myself!

The project you’re most proud of: Quite a few but, overall, the whole freelance project – daring to take the plunge and start working for myself – and making it a success!
Your current computer setup: A Dell desktop and laptop
Do you own a smartphone? Yes, an iPhone – useful when you’re out and about and need to confirm receipt of a PO, files, etc. And I’m a bit of a mobile photography addict so I wouldn’t be without it today!
Favorite time of the day: Early morning … it’s nice and quiet – in the house, outside and on the e-mail/phone front! I get lots done early on and I love watching the sun rise from my desk.
Favorite gadget (apart from computer & smartphone): The iPad I guess – I use it a lot for catching up on Feedly, research for work or reading magazines and other stuff.
Next conference/event you’re planning to attend: Next month, the opening of an exhibition where I’ll have some photos on display at a local co-working venue. Then, hopefully, one of the SFT events in Western France or Normandy this year.
How many hours per day do you usually work: 8-10 … it depends. Too many, sometimes!
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? An introvert – I’m quite happy on my own, getting immersed in work (I love researching a new project), reading a good book or out in the countryside with my camera.
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? An early-riser … but depending on family matters, I sometimes need to work late into the evening too.
What do you listen to while you work? I have a Spotify account and several playlists – including one called “Au bureau…” which is my default working soundtrack!

And a few non-work related questions to get more personal.
Your babies or pets, incl. names and ages: Three kids aged 4, 6 and 9, so it gets pretty busy here at times!
Next city/country you want to visit: I’ll visit Japan one day, I know, but it probably won’t be my next trip! Hopefully Scotland sometime soon.
Favorite vacation place: The sea … Brittany, Yorkshire, Scotland – I don’t mind it wet and windy, I just love the sea!
Favorite book: Just one? I really don’t know! The first book to make a big impression on me might have been Tess of the D’Urbervilles and I’d quote Thomas Hardy among my favourite authors. Otherwise I’m going through a bit of a Murakami phase at the moment.

Favorite song: Again, hard to pick just one! Fool’s Gold by the Stone Roses? Ballade de Melody Nelson – Gainsbourg? Ask me again tomorrow and I’ll give you another answer!
What are you currently reading? Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg

Author bio

Clair Pickworth is a freelance translator, specialising in business, tourism, environment and real estate texts, working from French into English. After working as a Business English trainer for several years, she set up Lexeme Traductions in May 2000. She lives in rural Normandy, France, with her husband and three children, and is also a keen photographer.
Website: http://lexemetraductions.com/
Twitter: @LexMTraductions or @ClairOverThere
Photography blog: http://imagesenclair.com/