Talking

I occasionally talk on radio and in front of other people, although strangely I am rarely invited back.

I talked about motorways with Laurie Taylor on Thinking Allowed here.

I talked about television with Lauren Laverne here.

I talked about the history of cultural studies here.

I talked to Tal Zalmanovich about Armchair Nation on the New Books Network here.

You can listen to my inaugural lecture at LJMU here.

16 thoughts on “Talking”

  1. Dr Moran, just in case your interested, —[My name is David Vinter, I am nearly 80, but grey matter still OK].
    Consequently, I was schooled through WW2, and as a Lincolnshire country lad have written my memoires of that time, should you wish to see them for any comparison, please just ask, and I will download them for you.
    At age 32 and recently married, I became a mature student at Nottingham University, reading
    Jt Hons Economics /Agricultural Economics.
    Regards, David Vinter. vinterdav@aol.com

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    • Dear David – thanks for your interest in my blog and for getting in touch. It would have been great to look at it a couple of years ago as I was looking at a lot of wartime diaries for an article I was writing about diaries. I wonder though if you have thought of donating it to the Great Diary Project based in London – they would be very interested. best wishes Joe

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      Reply

  2. I have just started your book On Roads. It looks very good already. I didn’t know about the M45 being a relic of the Macmillan era.

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  3. I will be using piece from you. (‘human shaped hole’… If you Should Fail p146.) in the funeral service for my late daughter in law next week. I think it is a nice way to say so many things.
    Take care

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  4. Hello Mr. Moran,

    I am a massive fan of your work, First You Write a Sentence. Please know it is a wonderful book and should be considered a literary masterpiece.

    Best,

    Eilidh Learmonth

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  5. Hello Mr. Moran,

    Thank you for responding. Would you ever consider writing a sequel to the book? I would love to see stories and tips on how to write paragraphs, or words.

    Best,

    Eilidh Learmonth

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  6. Dear Mr. Moran,

    I hope this message finds you well. I recently had the pleasure of reading First You Write a Sentence, and I felt compelled to share my admiration for what I can only describe as a literary masterpiece. Your work elevates the seemingly simple act of sentence writing into an art form, revealing its elegance, discipline, and quiet power with remarkable clarity.

    What struck me most was your ability to blend profound insight with graceful prose. Each page feels both instructive and inspiring, as you illuminate the craft of writing with a precision that is at once scholarly and deeply engaging. Your reflections on the rhythm, structure, and intention behind a sentence transform an everyday tool of language into something almost architectural in its beauty.

    The book does more than teach writing—it cultivates an appreciation for language itself. After reading it, I find myself approaching sentences with a renewed sense of care and curiosity, mindful of how much meaning and artistry can reside within a single line.

    Thank you for producing such a thoughtful and enriching work. It is rare to encounter a book that so successfully marries intellectual rigor with genuine literary charm, and I am grateful for the perspective your writing has given me.

    I am currently a student at The Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio, and we have to read your book for a class. So, I was wondering if you would visit our school to talk us through your writing process. Thank You!

    Best,

    Andrew Stern

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    • Many thanks Andy – that’s very kind of you to write and I’m so glad you found the book useful. Sadly I’m based in Liverpool, England, so Columbus, Ohio would be a bit of a stretch for a visit!

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      • Dear Mr. Moran,

        Thank you very much for your kind reply—I really appreciate you taking the time to write back. I completely understand that traveling from Liverpool to Columbus would be quite a journey.

        If you might be open to it, I was wondering whether you would consider speaking with our class over Zoom instead. Even a short virtual visit would mean a lot to us. We are currently discussing your book in class, and hearing about your writing process and ideas directly from you would be incredibly valuable.

        Of course, I understand you have many commitments, so please don’t feel any pressure if your schedule doesn’t allow it. I just wanted to ask in case it might be possible.

        Thank you again for writing such a thoughtful book and for taking the time to respond.

        Best regards,
        Andy

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      • Dear Mr. Moran,

        Would it be okay if we organized a video visit, so that we our school would be able to talk to you? We would love to hear your insight on how you came up with this work of art.

        Best regards,

        Andrew Stern

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