20 (or so) questions on how Doreen (@de

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: My office is in Hartmannsdorf, Germany
Desired location: Currently I am checking out the area around the Costa del Sol, Spain – if I like it, I am going to stay longer
Current work title: Technically skilled translator & creative editor
Desired work title: When I am struck by a creative lightning again, I might change it. Until then I’ll leave it as is.
Languages you have studied or currently speak: My native language is German – so sorry for any typos or mistakes – and I am speaking English as well as French (though the latter is a bit rusty). I also have some basic knowledge in Mandarin (having worked in Beijing for a while). Currently I am trying to “revive” my Spanish, that I have been learning during my formation 13 years ago.
The project you’re most proud of: So far I haven’t had THAT project. However, I am definitely proud of the experiences I could collect so far by giving up rigid habits or simply jumping into the deep; and of course I am proud to deliver a good job every day; again and again.
Your current computer setup: 17” notebook, 24” monitor, ergonomic keyboard and (barely used) mouse, my beloved Bamboo Pen&Touch (for drawing and against mouse arm); an old 15” notebook as couch computer
Do you own a smartphone? 2+ years old Sony Xperia Go
Favorite time of the day: the point, when I realize, I got something done that day
Favorite gadget (apart from computer & smartphone): my bridge camera (though I am still playing with the settings and really should get a book about photography) which I also like to switch against pencil and paper now and then
Next conference/event you’re planning to attend: gamescom in Cologne, if I can make it
How many hours per day do you usually work: 6-12 – depending on the workload and my motivation
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Let’s say I am controlled by an equal level of both which tends to get out of balance dependent on the situation
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? A most-creative-between-2-and-10-pm night owl, though I may also get up early, if case may be
What do you listen to while you work? Soundtracks of movies and games. However, if it is a very demanding sentence/part, I would usually press the mute button – then any kind of sound is too much.

And a few non-work related questions to get more personal.
Your babies or pets, incl. names and ages: Neither of the two. If at all, I would get a cat again.
Next city/country you want to visit: I want to see many cities/countries, but unfortunately I haven’t found the right financier yet… So for the time being, I will probably join some friends in Tornac, France, this year.
Favorite vacation place: for sun and beach: Kerkyra (northern Agios Georgios); for something more active: Saxon/Bohemian Switzerland
Favorite book: I wouldn’t call it a favorite, because I read many books I liked equally or even more, but the one I read most since I first got hands on it about 20 years ago is the Star Wars Saga (George Lucas, Donald F. Glut, James Kahn)
Favorite song/music: Music is like breathing for me – I cannot live without it. So according to my mood I may listen to nearly any kind of music (classic, musical, Schlager, soundtracks, folk, rock, pop, punk, ska, rockabilly, world, etc.). The only exception is monotone and electronic music as well as too experimental free jazz.
What are you currently reading? Surprisingly nothing from the fantasy/sci-fi world, but “Women and Gaming – The Sims and 21^st Century Learning” by James Paul Gee and Elisabeth R. Hayes

Author bio

Doreen Schäfer is a translator and editor for English to German, who started out in this business in 2005 after already having worked as a foreign language correspondent for 4 years. She knows the life as a freelance as well as an in-house translator having mainly worked on technical texts. Over 2 years as a localization supervisor for a Chinese game publisher recently revived her passion in games. Now she is enjoying the freedom of freelancing again. You can get in touch with her via LinkedIn.