On writing

In 2017, I started on my PhD journey at the University of Glasgow. I remember being encouraged to get started on writing as soon as possible. It was quite easy and I enjoyed the pleasure of simply seeing my thoughts translated into words. So, it came as quite a shock to be told that, whilst my writing was easy to read, it was not academic: which is a whole different kind of process, involving a very clear methodology and referencing every other line. That’s nearly 10 years ago. My PhD is banked; and since then, I’ve had academic papers in journals as varied as Public Health Nutrition and Soccer & Society; opinion pieces on websites and newspapers; two books published: ‘Sport, Sponsorship, and Public Health’ by Routledge and ‘Cutting the Mustard’ by Axis Projects. I’ve been interviewed about one of my books (no guessing which one) on BBC Radio Norfolk – what more can I ask?

One thing I’ve learnt is that is that you need to know why you’re writing and who you’re directing your words at. For me, it’s not about career – I’m way beyond that. And it’s not about money – that’s a bit of a relief when you work out how much time you have spent for so little (if any) reward.

So, why and how do I write? I share these thoughts as one thing I do know, writing is a lonely old business. Very happy to communicate with those who, like me, do not receive any funding to have a few months off to be creative, or who are able to write as part of their job. I write because it is still a huge pleasure to be able to try and articulate my ideas and have them discussed. I write because I feel passionately about a world that seems to be very damaged and very unfair. Whether I am writing about sport, about football, or about public health, the connecting factor is concern about power imbalances, health inequalities, and the seemingly rapacious activities of global corporations.

Trying to find dedicated time to write is increasingly difficult. Being an Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow gives me access to an excellent library which is a bonus. It also enabled me to take part in the Scottish Alliance for Food’s Writing Retreat on the banks of bonny Loch Lomond in June. If you ever get a chance to participate in something like this, grab it! Dedicated writing time with like-minded folk is such a luxury.

I mainly work from home. I am lucky enough to have a decent space: enough room for a desk, my laptop, and a growing personal library of hundreds of books and assorted memorabilia (or artefacts?). That dedicated space is important. I need to be surrounded by the books and papers I require for my research. If I’m in the middle of writing a book chapter, I would struggle to pick everything up and pack it away every night.

And, a key lesson from my PhD, being organised may be the absolute one essential element to successful writing. I really enjoy William Boyd’s novels. I read somewhere that he has files on every imaginable subject and never throws anything out haha. Given my obsessive and varied interests, I have Coca-Cola badges dating back to 1932, John Player League cricket programmes, model Red Bull branded cars, and Norwich City paraphernalia from every season since their first season in Division One in 1972. Good grief, all this takes room! But I never know when I may need them.

The second lesson? Look it’s okay to procrastinate. We all do it. Some of us make it into an artform haha. But probably best if you set yourself small achievable targets when you hit a writing block. I persuade myself that when I’m not writing I’m reflecting what I will get to do next. And there’s some truth in that. Time for thought is essential if your work is going to have time to breathe and mature. And talk about it; test it out. If people start to nod off when you’re telling them about your opus that may be a sign.

If you happen to be in Norfolk on 20th July – and lucky you if so – please do come along and see me speaking at the Norwich History Festival: https://www.ticketsource.com/norwichhistoryfestival/cutting-the-mustard-with-robin-ireland/e-rbbjrd

And, if you want to buy one of my books or just talk to me about writing - either is fine - you can do both via my website: www.robinireland.com.