Carrie Kills A Man: A Memoir

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Throughout the book, Carrie discusses and highlights the non-linear process of transition and how what we feel and allow ourselves to feel is shaped by our environment and the information we have. I think this recognition is really powerful as it really highlights that how we feel can evolve as our environment changes and as our knowledge about something increases. A reminder that visibility truly does matter and can be life changing. The book itself touches on ‘growing up in a world that doesn’t want you’ as a trans woman, but is also described as laugh-out-loud funny; how do you manage to find the humour in telling your story, even in some of the darker moments? Did you have any expectations as to how Carrie Kills A Man would be received, and how do those expectations compare to the reality?

Subbing and CMSing copy can be a chore. But never if written by @carrieinglasgow – the master of ‘good words good words *BLAM* hilarious joke'” Books are a team effort, and I am part of an amazing team that includes Heather and Laura, my publishers, and Kirstyn, my brilliant editor. Independent publishers are the best, not just because they’re great to work with but because you can sleep with a clear conscience. The Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett, narrated by Bill Nighy, Indira Varma, Andy Serkis, Colin Morgan, Peter Serafinowicz et al Congratulations to 404 Ink and Canongate Books who have books shortlisted for the 2023 British Book Awards:Carrie Kills a Man by Carrie Marshall ( 404 Ink) is shortlisted for a British Book Award in the Discover category. The Discover Book of the Year category focuses on underrepresented voices. I wanted to be the person I needed when I was younger, because I didn’t see myself in so many trans stories. Many of them follow a well-worn path that starts off with ‘I always knew’ and ends happily with the love of a good man. But I didn’t always know, and I wasn’t interested in men, good or bad. And I’ve since learnt that that’s incredibly common. So I wanted to write the book I wish someone had written for me. One of the things I really wanted to express was the joy and wonder of it all. Being trans, like being gay, isn’t a shameful, undesirable thing. It’s a gift, a joyful, magical thing. The sadness we experience isn’t because of who we are; it’s because of how we’re treated by others. Especially at the moment. carrieplaysguitar takes us on her journey to self acceptance, to freeing herself and letting the world see her for her fabulous self! The book has sadness of course but what it also has is pure joy. Joy through music, video games, books, family, fashion faux pas, mishaps and freedom. At times I was angry of course. Angry at the treatment of the trans community in society (JEEZO WHY DO PEOPLE THINK IT’S OK TO HURL ABUSE AT SOMEONE WALKING DOWN THE STREET!?), statistics surrounding waiting times for healthcare and so much more. This book not only entertains but educates in a very accessible way. That’s important if we want people to understand eh? 😍 It’s an incredibly honest and lovingly detailed book, which makes the story all the more powerful. Do you think it’s in those personal recollections that the story emerges? Queen Elizabeth: (Volume 88) Little People, BIG DREAMS by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrator Melissa Lee Johnson

I think being Scottish means I’m just naturally drawn to that – we Scots are brilliant at mining comedy from pretty dark seams sometimes, and we’ll tell the most horrendously embarrassing stories to make our friends laugh. I’ve done that all my life, so it was natural to do it in the book too. You touch on a lot of lessons throughout your life, whether through coming out, fashion choices, friendships – what would you say the most important lessons you’ve learned have been? I was a regular contributor to BBC Radio Scotland from 2003 to 2023, spending the last five of those years doing Tech Talk every Monday on Mornings With Kaye Adams. For more than a decade prior to that I was the “technology guru” for MacAulay & Co with comedian Fred MacAulay. I’ve appeared frequently on shows across the BBC network. I can write for radio as well as appear on it: I co-wrote the script for a six-part Radio 2 documentary series presented by Kate Thornton. The series moves through Carrie’s life quasi-chronologically, a format which can at times lead to a confusingly blurred timeline, reiterating points in her transition to bring in new ideas and reflections. Her focus, however, is consistently both fiercely political and fiercely Scottish, mapping the local political landscape and attitudes towards trans people throughout her life, interspersed with tender stories of her Ayrshire upbringing, heartwarmingly supportive friends and unconventional yet loving family. There is joy in the book – in the writing itself – and a self-deprecating sense of humour throughout. What was the writing process like? Are there any similarities with your other work?

By (author) Carrie Marshall

I had a bit of a wobble when people I knew started posting photos of the book: ‘Oh god! They’re going to know EVERYTHING!’ But I’ve been really delighted by the response so far, because it seems to be really connecting with people. And that was always my wish. And lastly, the song choices were fabulous and I have really enjoyed the playlist I got to listen to along the way. Culture is a constant thread within your memoir, whether influences, crushes, favourite bands – who are some cultural figures who had the biggest impact on you and why? This book is a must read for everyone but especially for all the facts, figures and waiting times about Trans healthcare. The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak Children’s Fiction BOOK OF THE YEAR supported by The Week Junior

When I’m looking for a writer who can explain technical subjects in an entertaining and accessible manner, and get their copy in on time, every time, I call Carrie. If you’re looking for a writer you can rely on, you should call her, too” Rowling has also engaged with people who have stated they would boycott Hogwarts Legacy. In December, filmmaker Jessie Earl said she did not “begrudge anyone their love of past works or things they already own that they take comfort in [...] but any support of something like Hogwarts Legacy is harmful.” I love 404 Ink, and have done since their first ever title, Nasty Women. They’ve published some of my very favourite books and introduced me to some of my favourite writers. So I’m really excited that they’re going to publish me. That’s a really good question. I think probably the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that most people aren’t playing life on easy mode; I just thought they were because as an apparently straight cisgender guy I was playing life on easy mode. And I still have it easier than many. From the outside, many people may have thought you had what you call ‘the perfect life’ which brought with it a certain status and privilege. How difficult was it to maintain that ideal, and how do you feel now about the societal pressure to live up to it?Rowling herself has become more central to the trans/anti-trans culture war –and, as a result, Hogwarts Legacy has become embroiled in it too. I prefer writing to standing up in front of lots of people, but in the last few years I’ve discovered the joy of book festivals and book groups, delivered several university lectures about internet regulation and been one of the speakers at an event about LGBT+ healthcare. I’ve also appeared on some podcasts and online radio shows to help raise awareness of mental health issues. Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne by Katherine Rundell Audiobook: Fiction BOOK OF THE YEAR Carrie was .net magazine’s longest standing contributor, and with good reason. Carrie consistently turns in great copy, and writes with wit and authority without ever being patronising. I’d happily recommend Carrie for any tech-related wordiness”

There’s more Scottish interest with Douglas Stuart’s Young Mungo(Picador) being shortlisted for Fiction Book of the Year and Audiobook of the Year. Edinburgh resident Maggie O’Farrell’s The Marriage Portrait (Tinder Press) is also shortlisted for Fiction Book of the Year. If you’re looking for a book that cuts through all the noise and takes you on a journey that explores the very personal realities of being transgender in Scotland and the UK but also discusses the social commentary and history in a way that feels really open and accessible then this is the book for you. A Better Day: Your Positive Mental Health Handbook by Dr Alex George and illustrated by The Boy Fitz HammondIt’s been really interesting and a little bit strange, especially with some of the more difficult memories: you’re taking things that used to cause you great shame and sometimes pain and putting them out there for others to see and potentially judge you for. There were definitely times when I had to ask myself, ‘are you really sure you want people to know about this?’ At the Paisley Book festival Carrie says she’s seen so many Trans books that are tragic stories about Transphobia and how tragic their stories are and she wanted to show how although her story has had a tough elements like they all do she wanted to show a middle class side of it and how the NHS process works and not all stories are that way or the same. I don’t think she gives herself enough credit for all she’s actually had to go through though and I cried at the treatment she had to go through to prove at times she is in-fact a women and to be able to access services in the NHS and life. Or all she had to overcome. I’m the singer/guitarist in a band called HAVR. I’m the main songwriter and take care of the programming, production and distribution.