Andy, I loved this. And it was such a nice surprise to see my name pop up, thank you!
I've long said you're the male version of me on here, so was very amused to read so many similarities between our process. This bit made me laugh out loud, because I am exactly the same: "I say this with love, but I am incapable of doing any writing whatsoever once the kids are up and about."
I also hunch over a laptop in a position that will leave me looking like Quasimodo one day. Deeply unflattering, will never learn, will also never join a gym to counterbalance it.
Can't wait for your memoir. Are you allowed to say what it's about? (I know the obvious would be parenting, but I'm wondering if it's your probation stuff?)
Big up the northern England based writers on here, too!
In a weird way, I think I've become more productive since having kids. There's these small allocated windows of time before they wake up/while they're in a class etc. - go, go, go...
Before kids, there was, in hindsight, SO MUCH TIME, but I spent most of it watching Hollyoaks and reruns of The OC.
Great interview and Andy is a Substack legend (and I swear I'm saying this not simply because he was kind and gracious enough to mention my name). One of the wittiest and most endearing writers on this platform, not to mention incredibly talented.
I want to throw this out there for anyone reading this comment - his book, The Thing Is, is an absolute treat - it covers his pre-parenting life and youthful misdeeds and shenanigans and is a great insight into his early years. Highly recommend.
I have just one daughter (8) and I can't get a thing done when she's around, I'm horribly and easily distracted. But two boys? Sheesh...I'd probably have to give up writing altogether, don't know how I'd hack it.
Sorry for delay getting back, Eva. We have been living the high life in a caravan in Cleethorpes! Thanks so much - always appreciate your support. Hope you enjoy my book - it's a bit different to what I write about now!
Great interview - with my favourite line being ‘an ambitious handful of cheerios.’ 😆Curious to know if anything has helped make you get up early - as I’ve been finding it harder
Thanks, Joanna. I have no real pearls of wisdom other than we tend to go to bed quite embarrassingly early these days! If I can get to sleep for 10ish, I wake up fairly naturally at 5.30-6am (We also live next to an airport so get woken up by planes most mornings too!)
I do love that calm hour or two before the day begins though - find it perfect for writing.
Thanks again, Danusia! It was a pleasure to take part.😊
Andy is wickedly funny and wildly understates his writing potential.
He does. And he gets away with it.
You, my friend, are too kind. Thanks!
I agree, 100%
Andy, I loved this. And it was such a nice surprise to see my name pop up, thank you!
I've long said you're the male version of me on here, so was very amused to read so many similarities between our process. This bit made me laugh out loud, because I am exactly the same: "I say this with love, but I am incapable of doing any writing whatsoever once the kids are up and about."
I also hunch over a laptop in a position that will leave me looking like Quasimodo one day. Deeply unflattering, will never learn, will also never join a gym to counterbalance it.
Can't wait for your memoir. Are you allowed to say what it's about? (I know the obvious would be parenting, but I'm wondering if it's your probation stuff?)
Big up the northern England based writers on here, too!
Charlotte, this made me smile — I had a feeling you and Andy would overlap in all the best ways 😉
The hunched laptop posture and the absolute inability to write once children are awake feels like a shared “condition” at this point. Ha.
Very excited to share your interview next month — I think people are going to enjoy spotting the parallels.
I honestly don’t know how anyone gets anything creative done with children around! Haha
In a weird way, I think I've become more productive since having kids. There's these small allocated windows of time before they wake up/while they're in a class etc. - go, go, go...
Before kids, there was, in hindsight, SO MUCH TIME, but I spent most of it watching Hollyoaks and reruns of The OC.
Oh yeah I’m more productive when they’re not with me, but the second they walk into a room, I’m doomed
We have exactly the same viewing habits.
Ooo, looking forward to reading Charlotte's interview next 🥰
Haha. It's the writing process of champions! Thanks, Charlotte.
I won't give too much away... actually, I will. Yep, the new book will be about my job (with parenting bits in there too, of course!)
Just seen Danusia is interviewing you too - I really enjoyed doing this so look forward to reading your responses.
Exciting! So pleased for you xo
Ooo, can't wait for that! ✨️😊
Andy is such an entertaining writer. Lovely interview, thanks.
Wendy, thank you — he really is, it was such a pleasure to talk to him.
Ah, cheers, Wendy! Glad you enjoyed it.
Great interview! Always enjoy Andy’s writing. And thank you so much for the shout out! 🙏
Cheers, Sara. You're very welcome!
Great interview and Andy is a Substack legend (and I swear I'm saying this not simply because he was kind and gracious enough to mention my name). One of the wittiest and most endearing writers on this platform, not to mention incredibly talented.
I want to throw this out there for anyone reading this comment - his book, The Thing Is, is an absolute treat - it covers his pre-parenting life and youthful misdeeds and shenanigans and is a great insight into his early years. Highly recommend.
I have just one daughter (8) and I can't get a thing done when she's around, I'm horribly and easily distracted. But two boys? Sheesh...I'd probably have to give up writing altogether, don't know how I'd hack it.
Daniel, thank you for flagging Andy’s book — that’s a brilliant recommendation, I really appreciate it.
Thanks, man! Appreciate the support as ever. I enjoyed your interview with Danusia a few months back - it's good fun, isn't it?!
Appreciate you recommending my book too! It came out in 2018 so I really need to get cracking with my new one tbh.
100% agree that Andy is a Substack legend indeed! 😊 How did I not know about his pre-parenting book! Off to purchase immediately.. thanks Daniel 👍🥰
Sorry for delay getting back, Eva. We have been living the high life in a caravan in Cleethorpes! Thanks so much - always appreciate your support. Hope you enjoy my book - it's a bit different to what I write about now!
Great interview - with my favourite line being ‘an ambitious handful of cheerios.’ 😆Curious to know if anything has helped make you get up early - as I’ve been finding it harder
Yes i loved that line too Joanna!
And great question about getting up early. Let’s see what @Andy Carter suggests. 😉
What time are you hoping to get up?
I think it’s more about not feeling tired. So maybe I need to work more at the other end …
Ah yes. That’s a whole other end of the situation. 💖
Thanks, Joanna. I have no real pearls of wisdom other than we tend to go to bed quite embarrassingly early these days! If I can get to sleep for 10ish, I wake up fairly naturally at 5.30-6am (We also live next to an airport so get woken up by planes most mornings too!)
I do love that calm hour or two before the day begins though - find it perfect for writing.
Loved this. Endlessly fascinated by other writers' routines. And thank you so much for the shout out Andy – right back at ya!
Enjoyed this!
Thanks, man!