Graeme Brandham
@graemebrandham.com
Writer | Artist | World-Builder
🌀Charting the intersection of story, philosophy & wonder in my Substack Atlas.
🌀Currently navigating rabbits, dinosaurs & the nature of reality. 🐰🦕☯️
📲 www.graemebrandham.com
🌀Charting the intersection of story, philosophy & wonder in my Substack Atlas.
🌀Currently navigating rabbits, dinosaurs & the nature of reality. 🐰🦕☯️
📲 www.graemebrandham.com
I watched the Fred again.. set today, and it reminded me what a creative flow state actually is.
It’s the moment when the boundary between the maker and the instrument completely disappears.
It’s the moment when the boundary between the maker and the instrument completely disappears.
September 16, 2026 at 1:11 PM
I watched the Fred again.. set today, and it reminded me what a creative flow state actually is.
It’s the moment when the boundary between the maker and the instrument completely disappears.
It’s the moment when the boundary between the maker and the instrument completely disappears.
Most people plan holidays using travel blogs. I plan them using mystery novels.
I’m currently mapping out a surprise trip for my sister and me. She has no idea where we’re going, but my writer’s brain refuses to build a standard itinerary. I’m staging an atmosphere.
I’m currently mapping out a surprise trip for my sister and me. She has no idea where we’re going, but my writer’s brain refuses to build a standard itinerary. I’m staging an atmosphere.
September 14, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Most people plan holidays using travel blogs. I plan them using mystery novels.
I’m currently mapping out a surprise trip for my sister and me. She has no idea where we’re going, but my writer’s brain refuses to build a standard itinerary. I’m staging an atmosphere.
I’m currently mapping out a surprise trip for my sister and me. She has no idea where we’re going, but my writer’s brain refuses to build a standard itinerary. I’m staging an atmosphere.
Amazon sometimes feels like an endless marketplace, but it is sorely lacking in depth.
Yesterday I went to Baggins Book Bazaar in Rochester, the largest second-hand bookstore in England, and what a treat it was!
Yesterday I went to Baggins Book Bazaar in Rochester, the largest second-hand bookstore in England, and what a treat it was!
September 14, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Amazon sometimes feels like an endless marketplace, but it is sorely lacking in depth.
Yesterday I went to Baggins Book Bazaar in Rochester, the largest second-hand bookstore in England, and what a treat it was!
Yesterday I went to Baggins Book Bazaar in Rochester, the largest second-hand bookstore in England, and what a treat it was!
Story is the thing that brings readers to the seats, but emotion is the thing that locks them in for the show.
There is no feeling quite like the moment a scene stops being a drafting task and hits a live wire.
There is no feeling quite like the moment a scene stops being a drafting task and hits a live wire.
September 12, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Story is the thing that brings readers to the seats, but emotion is the thing that locks them in for the show.
There is no feeling quite like the moment a scene stops being a drafting task and hits a live wire.
There is no feeling quite like the moment a scene stops being a drafting task and hits a live wire.
Today I’m participating in an “at home” writing retreat organised by fellow Substack author Johanna C. Eschwald. So far, it’s been a really great experience.
It’s rare that I give myself an entire day to dedicate to my creative practice, so this already feels like a real treat.
It’s rare that I give myself an entire day to dedicate to my creative practice, so this already feels like a real treat.
September 12, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Today I’m participating in an “at home” writing retreat organised by fellow Substack author Johanna C. Eschwald. So far, it’s been a really great experience.
It’s rare that I give myself an entire day to dedicate to my creative practice, so this already feels like a real treat.
It’s rare that I give myself an entire day to dedicate to my creative practice, so this already feels like a real treat.
Life is the greatest teacher of story.
Today I have had (as they might say in the Irish language) a mood come upon me—a certain tension that feels both unexplainable and vital. A feeling that grips the chest and won’t let go. Until, of course, it does.
Today I have had (as they might say in the Irish language) a mood come upon me—a certain tension that feels both unexplainable and vital. A feeling that grips the chest and won’t let go. Until, of course, it does.
September 11, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Life is the greatest teacher of story.
Today I have had (as they might say in the Irish language) a mood come upon me—a certain tension that feels both unexplainable and vital. A feeling that grips the chest and won’t let go. Until, of course, it does.
Today I have had (as they might say in the Irish language) a mood come upon me—a certain tension that feels both unexplainable and vital. A feeling that grips the chest and won’t let go. Until, of course, it does.
If you over-think your first drafts, change the medium - not your mind.
I’m in the final sprint of drafting my Halloween novella, and every single scene starts right here with the friendly touch of pen to page, and my hand resting on a notebook.
I’m in the final sprint of drafting my Halloween novella, and every single scene starts right here with the friendly touch of pen to page, and my hand resting on a notebook.
September 11, 2026 at 5:12 PM
If you over-think your first drafts, change the medium - not your mind.
I’m in the final sprint of drafting my Halloween novella, and every single scene starts right here with the friendly touch of pen to page, and my hand resting on a notebook.
I’m in the final sprint of drafting my Halloween novella, and every single scene starts right here with the friendly touch of pen to page, and my hand resting on a notebook.
I caught myself staring like a child in the middle of Victoria Station yesterday.
I was walking through the grey, hurried commuter crowd when I stumbled upon the Belmond Pullman vintage train.
I was walking through the grey, hurried commuter crowd when I stumbled upon the Belmond Pullman vintage train.
September 11, 2026 at 3:15 PM
I caught myself staring like a child in the middle of Victoria Station yesterday.
I was walking through the grey, hurried commuter crowd when I stumbled upon the Belmond Pullman vintage train.
I was walking through the grey, hurried commuter crowd when I stumbled upon the Belmond Pullman vintage train.
It turns out having no signal in a stadium can be a gift.
Last night I saw Bon Jovi at Wembley — the same stage that hosted Queen’s legendary set, and countless others.
Last night I saw Bon Jovi at Wembley — the same stage that hosted Queen’s legendary set, and countless others.
September 10, 2026 at 7:00 AM
It turns out having no signal in a stadium can be a gift.
Last night I saw Bon Jovi at Wembley — the same stage that hosted Queen’s legendary set, and countless others.
Last night I saw Bon Jovi at Wembley — the same stage that hosted Queen’s legendary set, and countless others.
I am having a cheesy day of rock n roll shenanigans before I go and see Bon Jovi tonight.
Here is a Hendrix outfit in the meantime 🤘
Here is a Hendrix outfit in the meantime 🤘
September 9, 2026 at 6:04 PM
I am having a cheesy day of rock n roll shenanigans before I go and see Bon Jovi tonight.
Here is a Hendrix outfit in the meantime 🤘
Here is a Hendrix outfit in the meantime 🤘
If you are going to treat live art as background noise, please just stay home.
I was at a live gig in London this weekend, and half the room talked over the performers the entire night. They paid to be there, yet they couldn't give the stage their focus.
I was at a live gig in London this weekend, and half the room talked over the performers the entire night. They paid to be there, yet they couldn't give the stage their focus.
September 8, 2026 at 5:17 PM
If you are going to treat live art as background noise, please just stay home.
I was at a live gig in London this weekend, and half the room talked over the performers the entire night. They paid to be there, yet they couldn't give the stage their focus.
I was at a live gig in London this weekend, and half the room talked over the performers the entire night. They paid to be there, yet they couldn't give the stage their focus.
Technical perfection is the most boring thing an artist can achieve.
I saw a Led Zeppelin tribute band this weekend. They were technically flawless—every note, every beat, mathematically correct.
I saw a Led Zeppelin tribute band this weekend. They were technically flawless—every note, every beat, mathematically correct.
September 8, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Technical perfection is the most boring thing an artist can achieve.
I saw a Led Zeppelin tribute band this weekend. They were technically flawless—every note, every beat, mathematically correct.
I saw a Led Zeppelin tribute band this weekend. They were technically flawless—every note, every beat, mathematically correct.
In the last few days, something has happened that counts as a first time for me.
September 7, 2026 at 8:34 PM
In the last few days, something has happened that counts as a first time for me.
I am writing a secret screenplay for my sister, and she has no clue she’s the lead actress.
September 4, 2026 at 10:04 PM
I am writing a secret screenplay for my sister, and she has no clue she’s the lead actress.
Automated book templates are ruining the calming effect of reading.
Standard EPUB margins are designed for data density, not human eyes. They crowd the text, forcing your reader's eye to sprint across the screen.
Standard EPUB margins are designed for data density, not human eyes. They crowd the text, forcing your reader's eye to sprint across the screen.
September 4, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Automated book templates are ruining the calming effect of reading.
Standard EPUB margins are designed for data density, not human eyes. They crowd the text, forcing your reader's eye to sprint across the screen.
Standard EPUB margins are designed for data density, not human eyes. They crowd the text, forcing your reader's eye to sprint across the screen.
I am turning 37 this month, and as such, I woke up feeling trapped by my own expectations.
I cripple myself some days mourning the gap between where I am and where I 'should' be at this age.
But the future ideal is a myth!
I cripple myself some days mourning the gap between where I am and where I 'should' be at this age.
But the future ideal is a myth!
September 3, 2026 at 8:30 PM
I am turning 37 this month, and as such, I woke up feeling trapped by my own expectations.
I cripple myself some days mourning the gap between where I am and where I 'should' be at this age.
But the future ideal is a myth!
I cripple myself some days mourning the gap between where I am and where I 'should' be at this age.
But the future ideal is a myth!
Most character profiles ask what your protagonist has in their pockets.
That’s static data, not a human.
You’ll learn more about your protagonist by asking: How do they physicalize a lie? Do they over-compensate with intense eye contact, or do they suddenly start inspecting their fingernails?
That’s static data, not a human.
You’ll learn more about your protagonist by asking: How do they physicalize a lie? Do they over-compensate with intense eye contact, or do they suddenly start inspecting their fingernails?
September 3, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Most character profiles ask what your protagonist has in their pockets.
That’s static data, not a human.
You’ll learn more about your protagonist by asking: How do they physicalize a lie? Do they over-compensate with intense eye contact, or do they suddenly start inspecting their fingernails?
That’s static data, not a human.
You’ll learn more about your protagonist by asking: How do they physicalize a lie? Do they over-compensate with intense eye contact, or do they suddenly start inspecting their fingernails?
I put my partner before my writing, and I feel bad about it.
As creators, we are so wrapped up in our daily algorithms; publish post, compose notes, write 1000 words - that stepping away for a couple of days into the real world feels jarring. We confuse resting with failing.
As creators, we are so wrapped up in our daily algorithms; publish post, compose notes, write 1000 words - that stepping away for a couple of days into the real world feels jarring. We confuse resting with failing.
September 3, 2026 at 12:15 PM
I put my partner before my writing, and I feel bad about it.
As creators, we are so wrapped up in our daily algorithms; publish post, compose notes, write 1000 words - that stepping away for a couple of days into the real world feels jarring. We confuse resting with failing.
As creators, we are so wrapped up in our daily algorithms; publish post, compose notes, write 1000 words - that stepping away for a couple of days into the real world feels jarring. We confuse resting with failing.
I once led the design of an entire fictional American football league, complete with 8 teams from around the world, a full roster of players, and a detailed backstory of the league and its founding, set in the year 2250.
Sometimes I am tempted to revisit it.
Would you like to learn more?
Sometimes I am tempted to revisit it.
Would you like to learn more?
September 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM
I once led the design of an entire fictional American football league, complete with 8 teams from around the world, a full roster of players, and a detailed backstory of the league and its founding, set in the year 2250.
Sometimes I am tempted to revisit it.
Would you like to learn more?
Sometimes I am tempted to revisit it.
Would you like to learn more?
**My mission statement for everything related to my writing and art.**
Joy in the process, creativity as a skill, wonder as a feeling.
Joy in the process, creativity as a skill, wonder as a feeling.
September 2, 2026 at 11:53 AM
**My mission statement for everything related to my writing and art.**
Joy in the process, creativity as a skill, wonder as a feeling.
Joy in the process, creativity as a skill, wonder as a feeling.
The steam clears at 7pm UK. 🐇💧 Hec'ten and his human commander survived the explosion, but the real danger is what's hidden beneath the pipes... and the order to cover it up.
Read it here: graemesatlas.substack.com
#SciFi #WritingCommunity
Read it here: graemesatlas.substack.com
#SciFi #WritingCommunity
March 6, 2026 at 2:34 PM
The steam clears at 7pm UK. 🐇💧 Hec'ten and his human commander survived the explosion, but the real danger is what's hidden beneath the pipes... and the order to cover it up.
Read it here: graemesatlas.substack.com
#SciFi #WritingCommunity
Read it here: graemesatlas.substack.com
#SciFi #WritingCommunity
Reading Stephen Fry’s Mythos for research. Did you know Athena was born fully armored from an axe wound in Zeus's head? 🤯 Prepping for an Ancient Greece segment in my sci-fi serial, The Strings of Us. Make it make sense! 🐇 Read my notes: substack.com/profile/1669...
#SciFi #Mythology #AmWriting
#SciFi #Mythology #AmWriting
Graeme Brandham (@graemesatlas)
What am I reading currently
I have started reading Mythos by Stephen Fry, a Uk author, TV personality, and all round clever sort. It is a re-telling of the ancient Greek pantheon and mythology.
Thin...
substack.com
February 28, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Reading Stephen Fry’s Mythos for research. Did you know Athena was born fully armored from an axe wound in Zeus's head? 🤯 Prepping for an Ancient Greece segment in my sci-fi serial, The Strings of Us. Make it make sense! 🐇 Read my notes: substack.com/profile/1669...
#SciFi #Mythology #AmWriting
#SciFi #Mythology #AmWriting
An intense work week!
I was feeling pretty burnt out and anxious about the many things I ‘should be doing’. So I went back to my masterplan document and had a look at what I could do.
"Refill the well. Read books, watch films... Creativity is not an infinite resource."
Thanks past Graeme.
I was feeling pretty burnt out and anxious about the many things I ‘should be doing’. So I went back to my masterplan document and had a look at what I could do.
"Refill the well. Read books, watch films... Creativity is not an infinite resource."
Thanks past Graeme.
February 27, 2026 at 9:22 PM
An intense work week!
I was feeling pretty burnt out and anxious about the many things I ‘should be doing’. So I went back to my masterplan document and had a look at what I could do.
"Refill the well. Read books, watch films... Creativity is not an infinite resource."
Thanks past Graeme.
I was feeling pretty burnt out and anxious about the many things I ‘should be doing’. So I went back to my masterplan document and had a look at what I could do.
"Refill the well. Read books, watch films... Creativity is not an infinite resource."
Thanks past Graeme.
At 7, my Grandma blew my mind: people actually draw worlds for a living. 🤯 In 1 hour, I’m taking a massive step to bring my own sci-fi universe to life.
What movie/book made you a storyteller?
#Worldbuilding #WritingCommunity #SciFi #Booksky
What movie/book made you a storyteller?
#Worldbuilding #WritingCommunity #SciFi #Booksky
February 26, 2026 at 4:55 PM
At 7, my Grandma blew my mind: people actually draw worlds for a living. 🤯 In 1 hour, I’m taking a massive step to bring my own sci-fi universe to life.
What movie/book made you a storyteller?
#Worldbuilding #WritingCommunity #SciFi #Booksky
What movie/book made you a storyteller?
#Worldbuilding #WritingCommunity #SciFi #Booksky
100 subscribers! 🎉 To celebrate, I’m testing a new community-powered launch model for my sci-fi serial, The Strings Of Us. Think indie pub meets co-op. Full details drop tomorrow at 6pm GMT! 🌌 Come join the Guild over on Substack: graemesatlas.substack.com
#WritingCommunity #IndiePub #SciFi
#WritingCommunity #IndiePub #SciFi
February 25, 2026 at 11:29 PM
100 subscribers! 🎉 To celebrate, I’m testing a new community-powered launch model for my sci-fi serial, The Strings Of Us. Think indie pub meets co-op. Full details drop tomorrow at 6pm GMT! 🌌 Come join the Guild over on Substack: graemesatlas.substack.com
#WritingCommunity #IndiePub #SciFi
#WritingCommunity #IndiePub #SciFi