My name is Jaz McDougall, and I'm a writer, a bit of a programmer, a very frustrated web designer, and an avid gamer. I don't smoke, so don't smoke at me. I don't drink, but if I could simply get enough booze into me, I might have quite a nice time. I don't eat meat and probably never will, but by all means, talk about how much you love steak, it really doesn't bother me.
I currently work in a petrol station with some lovely people. I don't think any of us really want to stay there much longer, but most of us will. I exclusively work nights, which means that I'm usually up at weird hours.
Writing
I write regularly for PC Gamer UK on a freelance basis; this involves reviewing PC games, writing about gaming culture, doing more interesting game diary pieces, and little blurbs all over the shop. I'm working to add clients to my roster; for example, I met a guy in a pub who edits a magazine for a console I don't own, and I didn't really talk to him or say anything interesting. Go me!
I've also written a few things for GamingDaily.co.uk and I pop something into Ubercharged.net every now and again also.
In my spare time (ha!), I write fantasy. I've nothing worth showing yet, and although I have a few half-finished short stories lying around that I could polish up, I'm having a lot more fun with my Games writing at the minute, so I'm focusing on that. Which doesn't mean I haven't just spent the evening writing from the point of view of horses who've been abducted and pressganged by aliens.
I can also write for you! Chuck me an email with an offer and I'll get right back to you. Preferably offer money, but don't be shy if you can't - there's no harm in making an offer. Send me an outline of what you want me to do, or ask me for ideas.
Code
I'm not a very good programmer. I've made one game, called After School, for the tenth mini Ludum Dare competition. The prize for which is hugs. Actually, I'm not sure if they even picked a winner, but it was a great experience. I've always known my way around code a little, but I can never get past tinkering. As soon as I have spare time, I'll start digging into more languages - I really like flash, for example - and churning out a few more games, hopefully some more lighthearted ones.
Gamer
I play anything and everything. I love to play alone, with friends, or with strangers online. I love to play 8-bit platformers, shmups, puzzlers, and if there were more than one, 8-bit FPS's.
I also like 3d first person shooters, strategies, puzzlers, rpgs, party games, beat em ups... what can I say? If I don't like a game, it's not because the genre irks me; the game is poorly made, or just not fun.