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.” A Better Day: Your Positive Mental Health Handbook by Dr Alex George and illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond

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. That’s a really good question. I think probably the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that most people aren’t playing life on easy mode; I just thought they were because as an apparently straight cisgender guy I was playing life on easy mode. And I still have it easier than many. There’s more Scottish interest with Douglas Stuart’s Young Mungo(Picador) being shortlisted for Fiction Book of the Year and Audiobook of the Year. Edinburgh resident Maggie O’Farrell’s The Marriage Portrait (Tinder Press) is also shortlisted for Fiction Book of the Year. Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne by Katherine Rundell Audiobook: Fiction BOOK OF THE YEARDid you have any expectations as to how Carrie Kills A Man would be received, and how do those expectations compare to the reality? 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. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Carrie at Scottish Women Inventing Music (SWIM). The charity has been made stronger by Carrie’s contribution; her copywriting is flawless and has been a notable asset. I produce the official SWIM podcast; Carrie is one of the researchers and presenters and her skills have been some of the strongest I have encountered in my time working in media. Her approach is professional, friendly and empathetic, and she is always someone I look forward to working with.”

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. The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak Children’s Fiction BOOK OF THE YEAR supported by The Week JuniorI love 404 Ink, and have done since their first ever title, Nasty Women. They’ve published some of my very favourite books and introduced me to some of my favourite writers. So I’m really excited that they’re going to publish me. I think being Scottish means I’m just naturally drawn to that – we Scots are brilliant at mining comedy from pretty dark seams sometimes, and we’ll tell the most horrendously embarrassing stories to make our friends laugh. I’ve done that all my life, so it was natural to do it in the book too. You’ve written a number of books before in differing forms – how did you find writing your own story? Why did now feel the right time? When I’m looking for a writer who can explain technical subjects in an entertaining and accessible manner, and get their copy in on time, every time, I call Carrie. If you’re looking for a writer you can rely on, you should call her, too” The Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett, narrated by Bill Nighy, Indira Varma, Andy Serkis, Colin Morgan, Peter Serafinowicz et al

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.

By (author) Carrie Marshall

The book does come somewhat full circle when you recall meeting someone at Category Is Books in Glasgow, and hearing about their life as a young LGBTQ+ person. How do you feel things have changed since your own youth? Do you feel hopeful for the future? The way that Carrie explores and discusses rejecting privilege and power was another real highlight for me and a great example of the power of listening to own voice stories and not allowing the narrative to come from the media. Just magnificent. Not only highly professional and rigorous, but Carrie has just the most wonderful, enviable ability to write perfect copy. It can be clean and authoritative, polemical, or hilarious, or anywhere in between. One of my greatest joys as an editor was commissioning her to write copy about dry subjects, because she could not only make difficult subjects lucid, but would leaven the copy with a lightness of touch and with humour. Not silly, everyone-look-at-me humour, but the kind of glittering, mischievous wit that springs delightedly out on you when you weren’t expecting it. Think Adams, think Pratchett – but at a level entirely appropriate for the commission. One of the best in the business.” There is joy in the book – in the writing itself – and a self-deprecating sense of humour throughout. What was the writing process like? Are there any similarities with your other work?