Hilary Seabrook - writer, podcaster, musician

A few years ago, I was obsessed with the TV show Catfish . I couldn't understand how so many people were duped by others pretending to be someone they weren't. This weekend, it almost happened to me, for 24 hours, I believed I was exchanging messages with 'John' after he found me on Instagram. My gut feeling from the beginning was that something was amiss, but I went with it anyway. After about an hour, I reverse searched one of his Instagram images. That's a trick I learned on Catfish . Immediately, the photo came up on the profile of a respectable New York businessman. For the next few hours, I was cagey and John persisted - even when I called him on the photo issue. He just got hurt and then forgave me. That was nice of him. So, here are my top ten ways to spot a catfish, based on this weekend: If your instinct tells you something is wrong, listen to it. You're probably right. The more perfect they seem to be, the more likely they are to be imaginary...

Much of the work I do is hidden - I'm often ghost writing for businesses and much of what I write is published on internal websites. I combined that with interviewing someone in hidden tunnels in the heart of Knightsbridge tube station. The story is about Kim (left), who is exploring all those hidden parts of London's underground network. She's seen long-closed stations and - as here in Knightsbridge - disused tunnels and lift shafts. Part of the pleasure of this job was working with photographer Stuart Howat (right), who always makes my job easy. It's not often he's this side of the lens.

I've found the last few months inspiring, as I'm recovering quickly from my stomach cancer a year ago. Now I want to focus more on the innovative and inspiring. So please head over to my new blog and comment: torrentsoflight.com

There's a metaphor here. Or, more likely, several metaphors. These steps have been hidden for decades  behind a mouldering wall that was demolished last week. They lead up to what was the old cattle market - long gone in Hitchin's town centre. The oldest steps sometimes lead nowhere, but sometimes you need to explore them. My May has been eventful and interesting - new clients and new projects with existing clients. Now the sun is shining, too! These steps seem to sum up May for me - taking steps doesn't always involve innovation and sometimes experience is what is of the greatest value. What is interesting is where the steps lead - what does the future hold? Sadly, I suspect the steps will soon be demolished, but perhaps some of the town planners in Hitchin will find a use for them - linking the town centre and Waitrose, albeit via a private car park! Watch this space ...

The attack at Manchester Arena last night is an act of evil. Thinking of all those hurt or bereaved and those who ran to help - our public servants stepped up and they all deserve a vote of thanks. A somber day.

In tidying out my garage, I discovered a couple of old street maps. They were SO useful during the 1980s, when I frequently had to find rehearsal or recording studios, or gig venues. Now, it's become so easy to look online or in the palm of my hand, but it's not the same, somehow.

There are some photos that just happen. This building has been hanging precariously over Hitchin's West Alley for many years and yesterday as evening fell, it was coming down. I heard the banging and just took a peek in the car park. The walls being pulled down have been standing for decades. Probably part of the cattle market that was an important part of the town economy for many years. It's a shame the building was allowed to fall so badly into disrepair, but that happens so often in Hitchin.