The prize-winning poet on her bond with her giggly late gran, embracing blush-making subject matter and why reading poetry is key to writing
Hollie McNish, 38, grew up in Reading, went on from a comprehensive school to Cambridge and has attracted an online following of millions for performances of her poetry. Winner of the Ted Hughes prize for new work in poetry in 2016, she combines protest and humour with a refreshing lack of self-importance. She is a natural champion of women, an ace inequality spotter – a mum who refuses to keep mum. Her new book, Slug, is in no way sluggish: it frisks, rages and rejoices.
You’ve a highly developed sense of injustice – where from?
It’s from my mum. She’s a nurse and has seen it all in terms of people with illnesses and what they have to face. She’s given me a sense of how lucky I am. I’m in a privileged position to speak out because although my family might be embarrassed by my poems, they’re not going to disown me.
I was desperate to let people know how hard giving birth is – and how important the aftercare is…
Slug by Hollie McNish is published by Fleet (£14.99). To support the Guardian order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply
Continue reading...