Alexis Forsyth
Alexis Forsyth on finding her flair.
Meet Alexis Forsyth - senior copywriter by day, lifestyle blogger by night. For Alexis, writing for a living has always been the dream, and it’s something she’s achieved through dedication, passion, and a sprinkling of life’s twists and turns. Alexis spoke to Pattern about her varied career as a writer, how she’s showcasing the best of Newcastle through her blog Newcastle Sparkles, and the methods she has to stay focused and set boundaries.
Edited by Ruby Guyler Photographs by Christopher Owens
Tell me about your career and background.
I’m originally from Stirling and first moved to Newcastle more than 20 years ago, although I’m often told I still have a strong Scottish accent! I studied geography at Newcastle University, then went on to complete a postgraduate diploma in magazine journalism in Cardiff before returning to the North East again. I love living here and it’s been my home ever since. Writing has always been at the heart of my career and I’ve worked in a variety of journalism and marketing roles in sectors such as publishing, higher education, and arts and culture. I’ve also freelanced for titles such as Unveiled Magazine and Brides Up North, and recently launched a newsletter called The Monday Oops.
Tell me about your career. What do you attribute to your success?
By day, I’m a senior copywriter for a global talent solutions business, and by night, I edit a lifestyle blog called Newcastle Sparkles, which I’ve been running for more than a decade. On my blog, I write and curate a mix of features, listicles, and interviews to showcase all of the wonderful happenings across the city and give people ideas on how to explore Newcastle for themselves. A new podcast is also in the works, which I’m excited but slightly apprehensive about, as this is brand-new territory for me! I think my commitment, adaptability, and sheer passion for writing have all been key to the successes I’ve experienced in both my career and side hustle.
What do you love most about what you do every day?
I feel incredibly lucky to say that I write for a living. Sixteen-year-old me would have been very happy to hear that! I love the creativity it offers and how, no matter the subject matter, I can indulge in my curiosities by talking to some really interesting folk, asking lots of questions, and then capturing it all in the words I write. It’s such a privilege to hear people’s stories and insights firsthand, and I think it’s made me more appreciative of the world around me.
Have you had to make sacrifices in your chosen career, and have they been worth it?
Following a compulsory (and very unexpected) redundancy, I took a pay cut so that I could quickly secure a new job in a similar field. It took me several years to climb back up to that previous figure, but the role allowed me to expand my comms experience and set me off on my current career path in copywriting. So, on reflection, I’d say the financial sacrifice was worth it.
“It’s such a privilege to hear people’s stories and insights firsthand, and I think it’s made me more
appreciative of the world around me.
”
What are some of your daily rituals and why are they part of your routine?
I need absolute silence first thing, as this helps me to get into the right mindset. On my office days, it’s only once I’ve got my jacket on and I’m ready to leave for work that I’ll pop my headphones in and zone out on my morning playlist (currently featuring Taylor Swift, Lennon Stella, and Black Match, in case you’re interested!). The same applies on my commute home, as music really helps to channel my thoughts and lift my mood, especially after eight hours in front of a screen.
What does work/life balance look like for you?
For me, a good work-life balance is about ensuring that my day job, personal projects, and social life don’t blend into a blurry, stressful mess. This means setting clear boundaries around the number of hours I work, accepting there will always be another task waiting for me tomorrow, and not feeling obliged to say yes to every invitation that comes my way.
I also have a designated - and very cosy - work space at home, which I brought to life during lockdown. This is a clear-cut way of separating work from life, as I can literally close the door behind me.
Plus, I’m a big believer in making time just for me and doing things solo to fully switch off from everything and everyone. I regularly arrange little dates with myself, where I’ll go for brunch, visit an art gallery, or try new activities. Most recently, I took a pottery class for the first time, which was really good fun!
How do you stay focused and productive in a world of distractions?
I jot down ideas and to-do lists in a little notebook to keep my goals on track. I also find that sharing my ideas out loud with family and friends maintains my focus, as it turns the rambling thoughts inside my head into something I need to commit to and turn into reality. As for distractions, my iPhone is permanently on silent and my push notifications are all turned off. This minimises the temptation to constantly check my apps and it stops me from falling down the social media rabbit hole more often than I should!
“I feel incredibly lucky to say that I write for a living. Sixteen-year-old me would have been very
happy to hear that!”
If you had the power to change the world, what would you change?
I’d like to see every child have access to the same opportunities in life without any societal or economic inequalities holding them back. Just imagine the possibilities if every individual on earth had the chance to fulfil their true potential and pursue their dreams.
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