Marco has graduated with a 2.1 in English Literature at the University of Portsmouth, UK.

When not writing reading books or relaxing, he writes for a variety of websites and magazines. Consumer Journalism is his expertise, but he can write anything with enough time and research. He has been writing professionally for two years, ran two websites and now contributes freelance to many others.

If in need of a writing contract / rates, please contact him at Marcof54 [at] hotmail [dot] com (replacing with the correct symbols) with details.

Conventional Skill-based CV can be downloaded here. (.doc)

Why Consumer Journalism?

1. Video Games Journalism
2. Film Journalism
3. Music Journalism [Coming Soon]
4. Technological Discussion [Coming Soon]
5. Literature Analysis
6. Health & Wellbeing [Coming Soon]
7. Automobile [Coming Soon]
8. Style [Coming Soon]

Why Video Games Journalism?

Video Games are the modern day book. They are an industry that's growing larger than the film and music sectors combined. Therefore their artistic merit deserves discussion. On top of providing users with an informed decision before they buy a product, Marco gives his readers copy that entertains and enraptures.

Below you will find his regular freelance positions of past and present, as well as any other 'one-off' pieces of work. For a video games writing contract, please contact him at Marcof54 [at] hotmail [dot] com (replacing the brackets with their appropriate symbols).

Notable 'Regular Freelance' Samples:

PC Zone, UK Games Magazine, Future Publishing - October 2009 Issue - Samples Coming Soon

www.strategyinformer.com (Currently Contributing)

• 'Unreal Tournament 3: 6 Months On' Editorial - Link
• Kings Bounty Preview - Link
• Interview with CEO of Stardock, Brad Wardell - Link
• Alone in the Dark Review - Link
• Cryostasis: Sleep of Reason Preview - Link
• Men of War Review - Link

• TeamTeabag - Dawn of War II Review - Link
• TeamTeabag - Wallace & Gromit: Fright of the Bumblebees Review - Link
• TeamTeabag - Wallace & Gromit: The Last Resort Review - Link

www.gamezine.co.uk (No Longer Contributing)

• Crysis: Warhead Feature - Link
• Overspeed: High Performance Street Racing Review - Link
• Beauty Factory Review - Link
• Battlefield: Bad Company Review - Link

• Over 1000 Content Samples Available - Link

'One Off' Samples:

• Exposed Magazine - City of Heroes / Villains Review - Link
• RockFM - City of Heroes / Villains Review - Link
• MonsterVine - So What If Mass Effect 2 Is Emotional - Link

Why Film Journalism?

• Review - Sunshine (2007) - Link
• Review - The Children (2008) - Link
• Review - The Haunting in Connecticut (2009) - Link
• Review - The Last Kiss (2006) - Link
• Review - Australia (2008) - Link

Why Academia?

Since undertaking his English Literature degree in 2006, Marco's writing style has successfully reached the standards of a 2.1 degree. He regularly writes essays, periodicals and articles concerning literary issues. His main interests are postmodernism, the urban space and technological representation.

Marco wrote his 10,000 word thesis on Don DeLillo's Postmodern America: The Representation of the Urban Space.

Due to the nature of copyright, extracts of his essays are all he can offer. If you wish to read more of the titles below, please contact him at Marcof54 [at] hotmail [dot] com (replacing the respective words with symbols).

If you wish for him to produce an academic essay for you, it generally takes him two weeks to conduct extensive research and write it, fully referenced to Harvard APA standards. For that time frame, it would generally come in at 3000 words. For longer pieces, he will require more time. For his rates and contract requests, please use the email address provided above.

Academic Essays:

• Dissertation - Don DeLillo's Postmodern America: The Representation of the Urban Space - Extract
• Essay - Burial, Incarceration and Spatial Disorientation are all Gothic tropes. Discuss their significance within two texts - Extract
• Essay - Can Margaret Atwood be Considered an Environmentalist? - Extract
• Essay - T.S. Eliot’s use of ‘the historical sense’ in ‘The Waste Land.’ - Extract
• Essay - Close Textual Analysis of Wise Children - Extract
• Essay - Gunter Grass’ Crabwalk and German postwar guilt - Extract
• Essay - Postcolonial Drama and Oral / Folklore’s Performance - Extract
• Essay - Ginsberg’s Howl and counter-culture - Extract

The home page will continue to host his latest works (with links), but from the 5th April onwards, will contain abstracts of articles for further information. It will also improve the décor, reducing the idea that its a constant stream of links and nothing else.

Thank you for your interest,

Marco Fiori.

• Questionnaire Cover Letter - Proofreading (with Word Tracking) - Example

Abstract: September 11th 2001 The day the world's innocence died. Globalised capital, telecommunications and freedom all came under attack. Falling Man is Don DeLillo's most recent novel dealing with the personal aftermath that accompanied the wider horror. In typical DeLillo fashion, he weaves a tale of individual suffering and urban reduction. Terror retakes the top spot in the metropolitan space while humankind is left to pick up the pieces.

• Literature Anaylsis - What Do Romance Novels Offer The Reader? - Link

Abstract: Traditionally concerned with emotionality, melodrama and unattainable human interaction, romance novels have rarely strayed from their literary path. As our civilised society supposedly crumbles, and the destruction of the home environment continues, bored housewives are dipping their toes in the escapist fiction more than ever. So why exactly do they have such a powerful appeal?

Abstract: We are currently living in such a fast paced world built around the transfer of electronic information that literature's worth is constantly put into question. For one, reading the classics promptly grounds us in intellectual understanding. It provides the reader with the foundation of westernised thought, philosophy and power relations. It is a grand narrative that has only recently become obsolete, (if we are to believe Lyotard's Postmodern Condition).

Abstract: This leads us towards an unavoidable circle. Critics need something to analyse and literature needs to be produced. One cannot exist without the other. Literature is considered a form of high culture in today's society, but that wasn't always the case. Compared to art and music (classical), literature was the means of popular culture. As cinema and music (popular styles like Jazz, Swing, Rock) emerged, the focus changed. Therefore it became a form of cultural expression that could be legitimately analysed.

Without literature we would be nowhere. They would be no religion, culture, or society. The printed word is one of the most influential forms of expression in existence. Ever since Aristotle, Literature has been the subject of analysis, a process that has sustained itself to the modern day. Utilising the academic skills learned on Marco's English Literature degree, he is able to conduct book reviews and discussion of 'literary themes.'

He has knowledge of the field, whether it be schools of thought, authors, or poetry analysis. Completely contextualised, he is accurate in his expression and discussion. If you are in need of a contract concerning literature, books or essays, please contact him at Marcof54 [at] hotmail [dot] com (replacing the brackets with their correct symbols). For rates and references, please use the above email address.

Samples:

• Don DeLillo's Falling Man Review - Link
• What Do Romance Novels Offer The Reader? - Link
• Reflections On Reading 'The Classics' - Link
• Over-Analysing Literature: Is It Possible - Link
• You Call This Literature? - Link

Abstract: Bada-bing-bada-boom. EA are back with an offer you can’t refuse, (or maybe you should), - The Godfather 2. With the clichés out of the way, we can crack on with EA Redwood’s interpretation of Coppola’s crime opus. Horse’s heads aren’t obligatory. The follow-up game to 2006’s tie-in returns on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. We’ve got our hands on the PC version to see if it has what it takes to join the family (last cliché, we promise).

• Health & Wellbeing - The Advantages of Spa Treaments - Link

Abstract: For those who are ready for something a bit more intense then why not try Electrolysis. It's not as painful as it sounds and it's a great treatment for removing those stubborn hairs in embarrassing places. Alternatively, waxing has been given a bad rep by cinema, but with a professional at the helm, it's easy going. Shiastu, (the art of sticking needles in you), has become commonplace and caters for those who have interest in your Chi's goodwill.

Abstract: Braff puts a hundred percent into shaking his Scrubs persona and depicting the common man. He does a decent job at it, utilising naturalistic acting, and expression that lacks melodrama. The cast do their best even with the no-surprises' script and manage to present their respective problems in an authentic manner. Some up-close-and-personal cinematography keeps the viewer involved in the action and overall the presentation is good.

Abstract: On the other hand, remixing a track can easily destroy its uniqueness. David Guetta hit it big with Love Don’t Let Me Go and is back with When Love Takes Over. With a strong house beat, it manages to go from a passionate piano-vocal break to a feverish electro drop. It may lack the popularity of Love Don’t Let Me Go, but musically it is a bigger achievement. It draws the listener in, (thanks to Kelly Rowland’s harmonic voice), and then takes them on an aural ride.

Abstract: You call Philip Pullman literature? Kindly take your leave sir. Simple escapism yes, but literature not by a long shot. We have reached a postmodernist space, a cultural realism that defies literary logic. Anything can be classed as literature, but it doesn't mean you should accept it. The next time someone comes to you sprouting their knowledge of Fight Club, retort them with a question concerning Defoe's Moll Flanders. Name dropping aside; they'll instantly retreat to their pseudo-intellectualism.

• Game Review - Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust - Link

Abstract: How the mighty have fallen, (or retrospectively, maybe iconic would be a better term). Larry Laffer has been gracing our gaming systems since the 1980’s, and no matter how many times the adventure genre resurrects itself, he manages to claw himself back with another release. With his 2009 makeover completed, the bane of women everywhere is back with Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust – with our emphasis on the ‘bust,’ (and not the enjoyable lady kind).

Abstract: From a technical standpoint Australia is a visual masterpiece. Wide panoramic shots delight as the audience is treated to a breathtaking landscape. The score is on an equal-quality footing orchestral pieces compliment the beauty of scenery. There's an intrinsic sense of scale expressed in Australia which mirrors the human conflict shown. Rich colour, impressive special effects and period dress combine to produce an aesthetically pleasing film.

Abstract: The high production values shown in the first episode have translated over to The Last Resort.  The twee charm of Wallace & Gromit will cause even the most cold hearted of gamers to smile.  ‘Wasting’ people in Killzone 2 in one thing, but watching Wallace generally run around like the big tit he is, is always amusing.  The script writing is intelligent and the harmless wit is what you would expect.  Everything’s a bit silly, but you wouldn’t have a Wallace & Gromit game any other way.

Abstract: Each level is a self contained puzzle which means there’s a distinct lack of scale. Conversely, with the removal of pointless navigation and backtracking you get a steady stream of mental taxation. There’s no filler – a clever choice, when you consider the typical effect of point and click ‘world exploration’ - a bordering on the mediocre. You’re simply given a puzzle and left to get on with it. Continuing from where you left off requires an old-school password (which you’re given once you finish a level). On the other hand, pressing continue on the menu screen has the same effect.

Abstract: What’s more relaxing than setting sail on the sea and taking a cannon ball to the face?  We’ve managed to get our hands on the preview build of Nitro Games’ East India Company, which feels like a cross between Civilization, Colonisation and Empire: Total War.  The full game will offer a campaign map, trade lanes, colonial expansion and real time naval battles, but our preview copy only came with three battles to try and a single tutorial.

Abstract: Martians to be exact. Forget about those stern Nazis, this hidden conflict is far more interesting. Stalin vs. Martians is a three-way collaboration between Black Wing Foundation, Dreamlore and N-Game. They’ve made nothing of note, and sadly after grappling with Stalin vs. Martians nothing has changed. Intended as a satirical attack on the genericism of World War II games, Stalin vs. Martians’ falls short. The only thing that the Russian developers have succeeded at is managing to get on our nerves.

Abstract: TellTale Games have taken the term seriously and managed to release monthly, bite sized chunks of Britishness. The dynamic duo of the plasticine world are back in their latest episode, Wallace & Gromit: Muzzled! It’s a pseudo-Mr Burns-style adventure where the local dog shelter has found itself destroyed, and a suspicious man is offering to help out the town’s dogs. Cue another 3 – 4 hour caper through the quintessentially English world of our favourite cheese and cracker loving pair.