York Literary Review: Catherine Gent
Introducing Catherine
From Ripley, in Derbyshire, Catherine Gent studied Creative Writing at undergraduate level before deciding to pursue a Contemporary Literature and Publishing MA.
Who is your favourite author?
There are several authors that I’m drawn to but I’d have to say I enjoy Kazuo Ishiguro’s writing a lot.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve picked up The Vegetarian by Han Kang after hearing good things from reviews. There’s some deep topics within the work especially about being a vegetarian in modern South Korea however I’m gripped by the character of Yeong-Hye and her journey.
What are your top 5 books you’d recommend?
- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I had to mention Ishiguro and probably one of my favourite books that has an interesting view on humanity.
- The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (A Series of Unfortunate Events). This is what got me into reading more when I was younger, so it has a special place in my heart. I feel so many people would enjoy this series.
- Speak (graphic novel) by Laurie Halse Anderson and artwork by Emily Carroll . The teenage character goes through a lot and her pain and struggles makes this standout. The topics within are dark but are handled well and give a voice to victims.
- Battle Royale: Remastered by Koushun Takami. A thriller about classmates forced to battle one another set in 1990’s Japan in an alternative timeline.
- Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson. After this novel I’m starting to crave fantasy and so desperately wished this was a trilogy. Also, the main character grew up in a library and I am envious.
What do you do in your spare time?
Alongside reading, I love to draw and recently bought a new sketchbook that I have been ruining with layers of paint. I also play the guitar from time to time but not well I have to admit. I have the habit of picking up a new hobby and then giving up on it a week later.
Where is your favourite place in York?
The Shambles is the first place I went to in York on my open day and since then I love the quaint street especially in the evening around Christmas with the warm lighting.
YSJ Questions:
Why did you choose to do your undergraduate at YSJ?
The course was exactly what I wanted, especially going in as mainly a scriptwriter. I knew it could expand my writing into other forms and show me how my writing can be useful in varying ways and careers. The town also swayed my choice as it promised lots to discover with all the small alleyways, the walls, and history. Me and my family were also impressed by the amount of pubs.
Why did you decide to do your MA with us?
I felt comfortable at YSJ so knew if I were to do one it would be in York. As I was looking at my options, YSJ created a Publishing MA and knew instantly I wanted to take that alongside the Contemporary Literature MA.
What does your MA actually entail?
On the Publishing MA we look into how the book in created from the author and agent, all the way to how the book gets into shops. We also look into the business side of publishing such as contracts and figures and there’s chances to be involve in the publishing of a book or magazine. There are also great chances to speak to guest speakers who have varying careers in the publishing industry
The Contemporary Literature MA has deepened my analysis of books with numerous genres and formats. We investigate environmental issues, racial issues and so much more which got me to read contemporary works that I wouldn’t normally choose, and to look at them in theoretical ways. Getting to speak to other students and lecturers about the works brings out unique ideas that help to inspire each of my assignments and how I look at certain works.
How has the York Centre for Writing and your MA developed your career plans?
I’m more positive than ever that I want to work within a publishing house to create works and see them thrive from all over the country and world. The possibility of joining or even creating my own publishing business in York isn’t a terrifying thought with the knowledge I know from the course, as well as the writing community in the area.
What’s your favourite memory from your time studying with us?
Some nights/early mornings me and my housemate would go on walks through the city and down by the river when it was quietest. We always felt safe doing this since we never went alone, but we had so much fun taking pictures by the Minster and Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate. Sure it messed with our sleeping patterns however it was my favourite time to see York.
York Literary Review Questions:
What was your role in producing this anthology and what did that entail?
I was one of the four in our team this year, three of us were volunteers whilst one was the project manager and as a team it was a huge success. Us who volunteered decided to help wherever and whenever we can whilst still managing our university work and personal lives. We all took part in posting on social media, emailing contributors, editing, and so much more. I mostly read the poetry submissions alongside the others and during the celebration event we did in June I took on the role of ensuring the technical side ran smoothly so the presenters and readers could do their part without any issues.
Did you enjoy the process?
Absolutely, and finally having the anthology in my hands feels bizarre but also made me feel so proud of what the team has achieved.
How long did it take?
It took approximately 20 weeks.
What was the best and worst thing about the entire process?
The best would be seeing how many people followed our Twitter and submitted. That was when it hit me that this wouldn’t be a small project and I was so grateful to see so many people engaged with our anthology. This also had its downside with the initial worry that this might be too much to handle for our small team. But with a plan to see if the works fit into our criteria, it became easier to get through the submissions.
Has the experience changed your career plans?
Definitely. As I had the chance to see and be a part of many aspects of publishing, I am much more open to finding a career that involves typesetting or even editing when I initially thought marketing would be my best suit.
Which was your favourite submission to the anthology and why?
Two stand out for me. The first being Tattoo by Shelley Corcoran which was one of the first I read that told time in a unique way by recalling upon the time she got her first tattoo. The second is Mechanics of Family by Lucinda Morton who expressed the changing of time through the history of the cars they owned within her family.
Next Steps:
What are your plans for after your MA?
I’m looking into my options of what to do. I obviously want to go into publishing, so I may start looking into internships or entry level roles at publishing houses. Working within a bookshop would also be desirable because I’d still be surrounded by books.
Is there a publisher you’d like to work for?
I have to admit that Penguin Random House, Harper Collins, and Bloomsbury have caught my eye in the past year with the works they release. I’d love to look within their companies and how they work. I doubt I’d be able to work for them having just started getting my foot in the door of the publishing industry, but I’m optimistic of what other publishing houses can provide for me regardless of size and notability in the industry.
Would you prefer to work for a Big Publisher, a smaller independent publisher or start your own publishing house?
I think I’d like to work for a larger publisher as I learn more about the industry. Then, eventually, create my own publishing house as I discover what kind of works I’m looking for.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share?
Create organisation in your life. Believe me when I say that being organised in terms of where you keep university notes, creating a daily routine, and even being aware if your financials can help create confidence and prepare yourself for the day, university, and projects. I’m not saying that everything has to be organised but many times at university I was so unorganised that I wasn’t confident with myself or work.
To follow Catherine as she begins her career, you can follow her on Twitter. If you’d like to follow the York Literary Review for updates, please follow their twitter.
You can buy the York Literary Review now via the Valley Press website.
