Carrie Kills A Man: A Memoir

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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.

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. 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.” 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. Queen Elizabeth: (Volume 88) Little People, BIG DREAMS by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrator Melissa Lee Johnson 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?

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The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak Children’s Fiction BOOK OF THE YEAR supported by The Week Junior 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? 😍 You Don’t Know What War Is: The Diary of a Young Girl From Ukraine by Yeva Skalietska Children’s Illustrated BOOK OF THE YEAR supported by LoveReading4Kids

Did you have any expectations as to how Carrie Kills A Man would be received, and how do those expectations compare to the reality?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? I really wanted people to understand that being trans doesn’t define us, or at least shouldn’t: we’re writers and singers and parents and sisters and teammates and colleagues and friends. All too often we’re described as a single characteristic – trans or non-binary – as if that’s all we are. We’re so much more fun and interesting than that. 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” Congratulations to 404 Ink and Canongate Books who have books shortlisted for the 2023 British Book Awards: 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.

A Better Day: Your Positive Mental Health Handbook by Dr Alex George and illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond 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. I think we’re all very good at remembering negative experiences and feelings – I still cringe occasionally about unsuccessfully asking Tina Walker to dance with me, and that was when I was in Primary 4 – so that didn’t really require much effort. But I did keep a simple diary from when I came out, and that was really invaluable to ensure I got the chronology and detail right. Your brain isn’t always the most reliable narrator. 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. This book is a must read for everyone but especially for all the facts, figures and waiting times about Trans healthcare.

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? Hogwarts Legacy has become a totem in the trans/anti-trans culture war. The game’s release is being used by both trans people and trans allies, and people who are anti-trans.