Ellen Jurik
@ellenjurik.bsky.social
Author and mother of two small children; previously Studio Narrative Director at Blowfish Studios, Senior Producer for live games at Blowfish/Gameloft, and Game Director of Storm Boy. Feat. POTS; she/her
Pinned
Ellen Jurik
@ellenjurik.bsky.social
· Jul 3
Building a Culture of Collaboration
YouTube video by GCAP
youtube.com
My GCAP 2024 Talk, "Building a Culture of Collaboration" is now available to watch and share on YouTube!
This talk is based on my experience as a Game Producer and Narrative Director/Team Lead, but is built on my experiences studying Human Centred Design and Acting.
youtube.com/watch?v=vDFG...
This talk is based on my experience as a Game Producer and Narrative Director/Team Lead, but is built on my experiences studying Human Centred Design and Acting.
youtube.com/watch?v=vDFG...
I have two sons and they have been such different babies that I advise everyone to ignore any sort of advice from parents of one child who aren't handing on advice from people who have advised on many babies
November 30, 2025 at 9:32 PM
I have two sons and they have been such different babies that I advise everyone to ignore any sort of advice from parents of one child who aren't handing on advice from people who have advised on many babies
My 6mo smiles in his sleep. Once, he burst out laughing, mid-nap
November 18, 2025 at 4:27 AM
My 6mo smiles in his sleep. Once, he burst out laughing, mid-nap
Why are they trying to make GenAI better at creating art (all forms); why aren't they making automated systems which will unstack and put away dishes, and hang up, fold, and put away clothes?
(Why isn't the robot vacuum with a scutter arm so prohibitively expensive?)
(Why isn't the robot vacuum with a scutter arm so prohibitively expensive?)
November 13, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Why are they trying to make GenAI better at creating art (all forms); why aren't they making automated systems which will unstack and put away dishes, and hang up, fold, and put away clothes?
(Why isn't the robot vacuum with a scutter arm so prohibitively expensive?)
(Why isn't the robot vacuum with a scutter arm so prohibitively expensive?)
I wish I was cool but I'm probably tepid
November 11, 2025 at 10:39 PM
I wish I was cool but I'm probably tepid
A new reason to hate daylight savings... Previously it was:
1. International work meeting timezone renegotiation sucks
2. I'm confused by the amount of light in the evenings
And now I add:
3. It's the worst with small kids who rely on body clock more than our constructed times
1. International work meeting timezone renegotiation sucks
2. I'm confused by the amount of light in the evenings
And now I add:
3. It's the worst with small kids who rely on body clock more than our constructed times
October 8, 2025 at 10:33 PM
A new reason to hate daylight savings... Previously it was:
1. International work meeting timezone renegotiation sucks
2. I'm confused by the amount of light in the evenings
And now I add:
3. It's the worst with small kids who rely on body clock more than our constructed times
1. International work meeting timezone renegotiation sucks
2. I'm confused by the amount of light in the evenings
And now I add:
3. It's the worst with small kids who rely on body clock more than our constructed times
His Preschool class at Daycare had an, "All Colours are for Everyone" learning session yesterday!
I'm SO happy that they responded positively. It's strange how insidious peer culture can be, though. All it takes is one kid coming in with some BS that their parent, sibling or family friend said...
I'm SO happy that they responded positively. It's strange how insidious peer culture can be, though. All it takes is one kid coming in with some BS that their parent, sibling or family friend said...
I'm the mother of two young boys and love colour theory, and I am advocating for "Pink is for everyone. Pink is just a colour, and all colours are for everyone."
My 4yo got shamed for wearing pink and purple, and told me he can't wear them anymore because "pink and purple are for girls."
My 4yo got shamed for wearing pink and purple, and told me he can't wear them anymore because "pink and purple are for girls."
October 2, 2025 at 1:00 AM
His Preschool class at Daycare had an, "All Colours are for Everyone" learning session yesterday!
I'm SO happy that they responded positively. It's strange how insidious peer culture can be, though. All it takes is one kid coming in with some BS that their parent, sibling or family friend said...
I'm SO happy that they responded positively. It's strange how insidious peer culture can be, though. All it takes is one kid coming in with some BS that their parent, sibling or family friend said...
I feel like we need a category between "acquaintances" and "friends," where you're firm friends BUT you don't talk much or see much of each other. Or maybe this is just a "friend" and what I'm thinking of as "friend" is more like "close/best friend"?
September 30, 2025 at 3:01 AM
I feel like we need a category between "acquaintances" and "friends," where you're firm friends BUT you don't talk much or see much of each other. Or maybe this is just a "friend" and what I'm thinking of as "friend" is more like "close/best friend"?
I'm the mother of two young boys and love colour theory, and I am advocating for "Pink is for everyone. Pink is just a colour, and all colours are for everyone."
My 4yo got shamed for wearing pink and purple, and told me he can't wear them anymore because "pink and purple are for girls."
My 4yo got shamed for wearing pink and purple, and told me he can't wear them anymore because "pink and purple are for girls."
September 24, 2025 at 12:40 AM
I'm the mother of two young boys and love colour theory, and I am advocating for "Pink is for everyone. Pink is just a colour, and all colours are for everyone."
My 4yo got shamed for wearing pink and purple, and told me he can't wear them anymore because "pink and purple are for girls."
My 4yo got shamed for wearing pink and purple, and told me he can't wear them anymore because "pink and purple are for girls."
"The Look" is coming to other eReaders on November 19th! ☕
This means that it will no longer be available as part of Kindle Unlimited (but still can be purchased for Kindle of course). If you're keen to read for free, there are often introductory deals for KU so take a look!
amzn.asia/d/6FgkTzT
This means that it will no longer be available as part of Kindle Unlimited (but still can be purchased for Kindle of course). If you're keen to read for free, there are often introductory deals for KU so take a look!
amzn.asia/d/6FgkTzT
August 26, 2025 at 2:52 AM
"The Look" is coming to other eReaders on November 19th! ☕
This means that it will no longer be available as part of Kindle Unlimited (but still can be purchased for Kindle of course). If you're keen to read for free, there are often introductory deals for KU so take a look!
amzn.asia/d/6FgkTzT
This means that it will no longer be available as part of Kindle Unlimited (but still can be purchased for Kindle of course). If you're keen to read for free, there are often introductory deals for KU so take a look!
amzn.asia/d/6FgkTzT
Funny trend I've noticed: people are mistaking emails with a detached, professional tone as being generated by AI. They show it to me, someone anal about phrasing and punctuation, and I point out that it clearly is not. AI does not skip commas or words. People CAN use a polite, professional tone.
August 22, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Funny trend I've noticed: people are mistaking emails with a detached, professional tone as being generated by AI. They show it to me, someone anal about phrasing and punctuation, and I point out that it clearly is not. AI does not skip commas or words. People CAN use a polite, professional tone.
Me: Did you know... I SUMMONED you?
My three month old: 😄 *wiggle*
My three month old: 😄 *wiggle*
August 21, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Me: Did you know... I SUMMONED you?
My three month old: 😄 *wiggle*
My three month old: 😄 *wiggle*
After a year of being exclusively available for Kindle, THE LOOK is coming soon to other eReaders! Exact details tbc… to stay in the loop, subscribe to “Storytime with Ellen Jurik”!
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...
August 19, 2025 at 11:51 PM
After a year of being exclusively available for Kindle, THE LOOK is coming soon to other eReaders! Exact details tbc… to stay in the loop, subscribe to “Storytime with Ellen Jurik”!
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...
So I've seen awards from debut authors under 30, and now for debut authors over 50. So there's a 20 year period when it's just... Am average, normal, banal, non-noteworthy thing to do?
July 30, 2025 at 2:04 AM
So I've seen awards from debut authors under 30, and now for debut authors over 50. So there's a 20 year period when it's just... Am average, normal, banal, non-noteworthy thing to do?
You know you're a daggy middle aged Mum when you buy yourself a "treat" of a pair of slippers to replace your current ones that are falling apart and they make you the happiest person in the world
(They have inbuilt orthotics, have an adjustable width strap, and are machine washable/tumble dryable)
(They have inbuilt orthotics, have an adjustable width strap, and are machine washable/tumble dryable)
July 30, 2025 at 1:27 AM
You know you're a daggy middle aged Mum when you buy yourself a "treat" of a pair of slippers to replace your current ones that are falling apart and they make you the happiest person in the world
(They have inbuilt orthotics, have an adjustable width strap, and are machine washable/tumble dryable)
(They have inbuilt orthotics, have an adjustable width strap, and are machine washable/tumble dryable)
With Book Week coming up, I have decided I have a goal for the coming year: write a children's book so that my son can dress up as a character of his own invention for the next one
July 22, 2025 at 12:33 AM
With Book Week coming up, I have decided I have a goal for the coming year: write a children's book so that my son can dress up as a character of his own invention for the next one
Today on the way to a Frozen themed birthday party, I described a Prince as a "boy Princess"
July 20, 2025 at 5:51 AM
Today on the way to a Frozen themed birthday party, I described a Prince as a "boy Princess"
I'm honoured to be part of this project, and can't wait to see our characters and scenarios come to life with Jacaranda Productions!
if.com.au/new-canvas-t...
if.com.au/new-canvas-t...
New Canvas teams with Diana Glenn, Sarah Goodes for VR noir thriller 'Coltrane' - IF Magazine
Byron Bay and Los Angeles-based XR studio New Canvas has partnered with Diana Glenn and Sarah Goodes’ Jacaranda Productions for five-part VR noir series 'Coltrane', currently in advanced development.
if.com.au
July 16, 2025 at 9:33 PM
I'm honoured to be part of this project, and can't wait to see our characters and scenarios come to life with Jacaranda Productions!
if.com.au/new-canvas-t...
if.com.au/new-canvas-t...
I hate the newborn phase, thank goodness we're out!! I have a more smiley baby that sleeps slightly longer in a stretch (this one has been a terror cluster feeder)
I say "more smiley" but really he's got an epic smirk. First born had a massive goofy smile, this one has a too cool smirk.
I say "more smiley" but really he's got an epic smirk. First born had a massive goofy smile, this one has a too cool smirk.
July 10, 2025 at 9:47 PM
I hate the newborn phase, thank goodness we're out!! I have a more smiley baby that sleeps slightly longer in a stretch (this one has been a terror cluster feeder)
I say "more smiley" but really he's got an epic smirk. First born had a massive goofy smile, this one has a too cool smirk.
I say "more smiley" but really he's got an epic smirk. First born had a massive goofy smile, this one has a too cool smirk.
One day, my first born will be in one of those "girl or metalhead" Instagram videos and while right now he'd fall under "metal head" (he hears the Doom music and says, "That's my song!"), I don't mind which one it is in future. That's why I'm making sure he learns how to take care of his hair now
July 10, 2025 at 9:43 PM
One day, my first born will be in one of those "girl or metalhead" Instagram videos and while right now he'd fall under "metal head" (he hears the Doom music and says, "That's my song!"), I don't mind which one it is in future. That's why I'm making sure he learns how to take care of his hair now
My GCAP 2024 Talk, "Building a Culture of Collaboration" is now available to watch and share on YouTube!
This talk is based on my experience as a Game Producer and Narrative Director/Team Lead, but is built on my experiences studying Human Centred Design and Acting.
youtube.com/watch?v=vDFG...
This talk is based on my experience as a Game Producer and Narrative Director/Team Lead, but is built on my experiences studying Human Centred Design and Acting.
youtube.com/watch?v=vDFG...
Building a Culture of Collaboration
YouTube video by GCAP
youtube.com
July 3, 2025 at 4:49 AM
My GCAP 2024 Talk, "Building a Culture of Collaboration" is now available to watch and share on YouTube!
This talk is based on my experience as a Game Producer and Narrative Director/Team Lead, but is built on my experiences studying Human Centred Design and Acting.
youtube.com/watch?v=vDFG...
This talk is based on my experience as a Game Producer and Narrative Director/Team Lead, but is built on my experiences studying Human Centred Design and Acting.
youtube.com/watch?v=vDFG...
My baby is 7 weeks old and I am becoming more lucid yet often nap trapped, so my will to resist engaging in online drama is wanting
July 2, 2025 at 5:38 AM
My baby is 7 weeks old and I am becoming more lucid yet often nap trapped, so my will to resist engaging in online drama is wanting
I just realised I forgot to share a recent Substack post!
This one is on the use of Speculative Fiction to create distance from the audience's day-to-day experience and how that can make your thematic arguments more widely appealing.
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...
This one is on the use of Speculative Fiction to create distance from the audience's day-to-day experience and how that can make your thematic arguments more widely appealing.
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...
Speculative Fiction and Thematic Arguments
Emotional distance is the secret to making your themes feel universal and timeless
open.substack.com
April 17, 2025 at 6:42 AM
I just realised I forgot to share a recent Substack post!
This one is on the use of Speculative Fiction to create distance from the audience's day-to-day experience and how that can make your thematic arguments more widely appealing.
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...
This one is on the use of Speculative Fiction to create distance from the audience's day-to-day experience and how that can make your thematic arguments more widely appealing.
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...
This week's post is a little more abstract, but something I feel passionate about: punctuation as a stylistic choice, but also a way to communicate meaning and improve comprehension.
Enjoy!
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...
Enjoy!
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...
On Punctuation
Are those little marks a stumbling block, or the foundation for readers to understand writers?
open.substack.com
April 17, 2025 at 6:38 AM
This week's post is a little more abstract, but something I feel passionate about: punctuation as a stylistic choice, but also a way to communicate meaning and improve comprehension.
Enjoy!
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...
Enjoy!
open.substack.com/pub/ellenjur...