Andrew Kirby: Storytelling
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Thoughts on stories, sport and the things that matter (a little or a lot).
Writing isn't simply what I do. It's how I make sense of the world.
The Journal is where I explore the ideas that don't always fit neatly into a book, an article or a client project. Sometimes they're reflections on storytelling and communication. Sometimes they're about football, heritage or history. Sometimes they're observations on leadership, belonging or the curious moments that reveal something bigger about ourselves.
Whatever the subject, they all begin with the same question:
What's the story here?
The Journal isn't a news feed. It isn't a collection of marketing articles written for search engines. Think of it more as an ongoing notebook—a place for essays, observations and long-form writing that rewards curiosity.
Some pieces are personal. Some are practical.
Others simply capture an idea worth exploring.
Because good writing often begins by paying attention.
Long before this website existed, I was writing online.
Over the years, my Paint This Town Red blog has become home to hundreds of posts covering writing, publishing, football, communications, interviews, book reviews, speaking engagements and the creative process itself.
It charts the evolution of my work as an author and communicator, and remains an important part of my writing journey.
If you'd like to explore that archive, you can visit the original blog here:
Recent writing
Here you'll find new essays, articles and reflections exploring subjects such as:
Storytelling and organisational identity
Football, heritage and supporter culture
Leadership and communication
Writing, publishing and creativity
Books worth reading
The stories behind places, people and communities
The aim isn't simply to publish more content.
It's to publish writing that's worth returning to.
Why keep a journal?
Because stories are never finished.
Every conversation, every project and every place teaches us something new.
The Journal is where those ideas are gathered, explored and shared.
I hope you'll find something here that makes you think differently—or perhaps encourages you to look a little more closely at the stories unfolding around you every day.
Stay a sec.
Browse the latest essays.
Read something unexpected.
And if something resonates with you, I'd love to continue the conversation.
