We write in troubled times and in easy times. Many people treat troubles (institutional or personal, local or international) as reasons not to write. But sometimes ‘easy’ times are even more difficult for writers. Len Deighton is reported as saying there are two things that kill writers: alcohol, and praise. So, in a troubled world, we discuss how to write in troubled times. One suggestion is to admit the struggle, given in, perhaps, to the struggle – in the sense of writing about the very things that seem to be preventing us from writing (policy? institutional challenges?). Perhaps try ‘little writing’. And try saying ‘yes’ to any invitation to write, as that may pull us through. A goal might help us in such a way, but it is also worth writing at times as a ‘leisure pursuit’. (Hmm.) Overall, we are trying to make sense of a world hat doesn’t always make much sense. Isn’t that what academics are for? Just do it. (And admit our errors – such as Julian’s error in the previous podcast, in his story about Peter Worsley: it was Dennis Law whom he met in the toilet, not Geoff Hurst.)
","author_name":"Julian Stern"}