Malorie Blackman on receiving 82 rejection letters from publishers
Summary
In this Desert Island Discs Postcards segment, host Lauren Laverne features excerpts from author Mallory Blackman’s 2013 interview with Kirsty Young. Blackman recounts her transition from a financial analyst to a full-time writer after receiving encouragement during acting classes. She shares the emotional journey of receiving 82 rejection letters before finally securing a publishing deal, which led her to leave her corporate job. The episode highlights her perseverance and the pivotal moment that launched her successful career in children’s literature.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Mallory Blackman and her background
From acting classes to discovering a love for writing
Leaving a career in computing to pursue writing
The one-year deal with her husband to try writing
Receiving 82 rejections before finally getting a yes
The joy of acceptance and quitting her job
Mallory Blackman's recent honors and full episode info
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