#124: Howard Jacobson, novelist

Simon and Rachel speak with novelist Howard Jacobson. Born in Manchester, Howard spent his early career as an academic and published his first novel, "Coming from Behind," in 1983. He has now written sixteen novels and six works of non-fiction, and won the Booker Prize for "The Finkler Question" in 2010 (he was also shortlisted in 2014 for "J".) His most recent novel is "Live a Little" and his memoir "Mother’s Boy - A Writer’s Beginnings" will be published in March 2022. We spoke with Howard about finding his voice and publishing his first novel as he turned 40, winning the Booker Prize, and the utility of shame and failure as a writer. This episode is sponsored by Writing Magazine, who are offering our podcast listeners 20% off any of their courses throughout the whole of December and January. To claim your discount, simply email: writingcourses@warnersgroup.co.uk with the code PODCAST20 and the course you’d like to enrol on. For full course details, visit their website: https://www.writers-online.co.uk/writing-courses You can find us online at alwaystakenotes.com, on Twitter @takenotesalways, on Instagram @alwaystakenotes, and on Facebook at facebook.com/alwaystakenotes. Our crowdfunding page is patreon.com/alwaystakenotes. Always Take Notes is presented by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, and produced by Artemis Irvine. Our music is by Jessica Dannheisser and our logo was designed by James Edgar.