Thanks very much, Tania and Mel. All very interesting. I particularly liked how Mel pointed out how 'writers ... insecure they all were, and how ordinary, for the most part.' It can be inhibiting and intimidating to compare ourselves to the the likes of Rushdie and Winterson. Also, I found it interesting to note that having a degree in English Lit can be stymying. Though, I suspect having such a 'pedigree' is important to most (?) publishers.
so glad you enjoyed the interview and thanks for your kind words about both our substacks! From my experience in publishing, no publisher or agent has ever asked me if I have a degree at all, let alone one in English Lit (mine was in Maths & Physics), and I've never heard of anyone else being asked either. I think they're much more interested in your writing and, these days, what you can do to help sell your books!
I used to feel like an imposter because I didn't study English, not even A Level, but then I met more and more writers who also didn't, it's definitely not a prerequisite, and I can completely understand Mel saying it can be off-putting. I really didn't like English Lit O'level, seemed to suck the joy out of books for me!
I loved this. What Melissa says about untangling what society/the universe gives or withholds permission for us to do from what we ourselves give permission for really strikes a chord with me. Thank you!
So glad to hear that, Sam! I feel like we need to keep talking about permissions to keep an eye on what we might not be giving ourselves permission to do/think/want - different perspectives on it really help me too.
Thanks very much, Tania and Mel. All very interesting. I particularly liked how Mel pointed out how 'writers ... insecure they all were, and how ordinary, for the most part.' It can be inhibiting and intimidating to compare ourselves to the the likes of Rushdie and Winterson. Also, I found it interesting to note that having a degree in English Lit can be stymying. Though, I suspect having such a 'pedigree' is important to most (?) publishers.
PS: I love both of your substacks.
Hi Terry,
so glad you enjoyed the interview and thanks for your kind words about both our substacks! From my experience in publishing, no publisher or agent has ever asked me if I have a degree at all, let alone one in English Lit (mine was in Maths & Physics), and I've never heard of anyone else being asked either. I think they're much more interested in your writing and, these days, what you can do to help sell your books!
I used to feel like an imposter because I didn't study English, not even A Level, but then I met more and more writers who also didn't, it's definitely not a prerequisite, and I can completely understand Mel saying it can be off-putting. I really didn't like English Lit O'level, seemed to suck the joy out of books for me!
I loved this. What Melissa says about untangling what society/the universe gives or withholds permission for us to do from what we ourselves give permission for really strikes a chord with me. Thank you!
So glad to hear that, Sam! I feel like we need to keep talking about permissions to keep an eye on what we might not be giving ourselves permission to do/think/want - different perspectives on it really help me too.
Thank you so much for having me, Tania! xx
An absolute pleasure, hope you don't mind me nicking pics from your Instagram! xx