Where Ideas Grow

A blog for students of creative writing at York St John University

In conversation with Jamie Mcgarry and Rosie Driffill

an event review by p. j. hale

headshot of rosie

On Monday, I had the privilege of listening in on another stimulating and informative event hosted by York Centre for Writing. Present was co-founder of Yorkshire’s leading independent publishing house (source – Dr. Rob O’Connor), Jamie McGarry of Valley Press and joining him was one of the many eclectic and heterogeneous writers published by Valley Press, Rosie Driffill.

The event itself had a real York Centre for Writing feel to it that allowed the conversation to flow with a comfortable and fun atmosphere. The words shared by Jamie and Rosie were thought-provoking to say the least, providing a clear insight into the publishing world from both a writer’s and publisher’s perspective.

suddenly while living cover

The questions and discussions around Rosie’s new book, Suddenly, While Living, were a definite highlight; not to mention the short extract recited by Rosie that persuaded me to buy a copy right there, right then! As a writer myself, to hear an insight into Rosie’s compelling story and its journey into print was so valuable. Illness writing in its rawest and earnest form has a certain interest that anybody can find in some variant; something Rosie has commendably achieved in her writing. Hearing Rosie speak of her precedence in maintaining her truth whilst attempting to get her story published was refreshing.

This event held a particular interest to me when I heard about it due to the two guests being from both faces of the publishing coin. I am scheduled to start a postgraduate MA in both publishing and creative writing this September; I chose the joint course mainly because I am still undecided which face of the coin I am leaning towards career wise.

My love for writing came from my love for books, something Jamie touched on in this event. Until Jamie spoke of leaving his writing days behind him to pursue the art of making books, I couldn’t describe what it actually was that I loved about the world of books. I’ve never had a favourite genre; I alternate between numerous genres every time I sit down to read or begin a new piece. I don’t write because I want to make money (a good job too!).

The truth is, as much as I love writing, I love books more. The concept. The creation. The art. Understanding Jamie’s comments on his own experience helped me to realise this. It helped make sense of why I would pick a book up when I was a child and ask my parents if I could have my own. And by my own, I mean my own; made for me, by me, with my words and my cover and my ideas. It never crossed my mind what it actually was I wanted my book to be about – I just wanted my own.

I’d love to say I am now decided on my definite path for the future, but I am still not quite there. What I do know though, is that the source of my love for a really good book is much clearer. A love that I will channel into any work I do, be it writing or publishing.

I look forward to the many more York Centre for Writing events I have booked tickets for, and would advise anybody who has an interest in publishing, writing or books in general to keep an eye out for future events.

Meanwhile, check out this review of York Centre for Writing’s Independent Publishers Showcase event!

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