I can’t keep track of all the things I’m supposed to be doing while also leaving enough head space for daydreaming, imagining, wondering and eavesdropping: essential skills for a writer. So I’ve developed an iron will when it comes to filing things safely somewhere I don’t have to think about them. I find it very difficult to tell when I’m being lazy or malingering (which does happen!) Melissa Harrison has made the Encounter nature journalling app 'to try and meet people where they are'. 'I’d like to tell my younger self that failure isn’t the thing she should be most afraid of: to lack the courage to try is far worse,' says Melissa Harrison.