Start Select Reset Zine #012 | Shadow Boxing x Long Form Leap

Issue #012 of Start Select Reset just went out via snail mail to supporters subscribed at £5 Monthly  or above

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Issue #012 – Long Form Leap x Shadow Boxing

Issue #012 is a double feature, tackling two intertwined creative struggles:

• Shadow Boxing – The exhausting mental habit of preemptively battling imaginary critics online.

• Long Form Leap – My ongoing attempt to write longer, more ambitious essays.

In the first piece, I reflect on how social media has trained us to anticipate judgment before we even act, leading to creative hesitation, diluted ideas, and unfinished projects.

In the second, Long Form Leap, I examine my personal version of that same struggle—breaking past the 8-10k word range in my writing while keeping ideas clear and cohesive.

The fact that these longer essays are destined for print, rather than screen, adds another layer of resistance—my inner critic speaks louder when something feels permanent. If any of this resonates with you—whether you’re battling your own shadow critics or trying to level up your creative work—this issue is for you.

You know, I’ve been making this zine for three years, and it’s only just occurred to me to take a photo of myself holding it against a white background. Looks pretty sweet! Sometimes, the simplest things take the longest to figure out.

Expect more of these kinds of shots going forward—feels like a nice way to mark each release. In a few issues time I’ll make a cool gif.

If you subscribed during the ‘pledge drive’ that kicked off with the last episode of 301 in 2024, you’ll not only receive Issue #12, but also a bonus copy of my most recent solo game, Quiet Quests – Issue #11. Just a little extra something as a bonus.

I still have a few copies left, so if you’ve been thinking about subscribing but haven’t yet, now’s a great time—future issues are shaping up to be something special.

Biggest Print Run Yet!

The mailing list keeps growing, and with every issue, the wedge of envelopes I drop into the postbox gets thicker. Seeing that stack grow is deeply satisfying—finally fulfilling a dream I’ve had since childhood. I’ve been making personal zines since I was 9 or 10, but this is the first time I’ve shipped one at this scale.

This zine, as a personal project, is on track to be the biggest print run per issue I’ve ever done for a zine, and that feels really satisfying.

It’s super cool knowing that these little booklets are making their way out into the world, landing in real hands, in real places.

Your support makes this all possible, blog, podcast, zine etc—thank you all being part of my creative journey.

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