Why authors shouldn’t study English

Anne Fine, from her own website.

The childrens’ author Anne Fine was being interviewed (amid much delightful Bach and Beethoven) on the radio this morning, and amongst other things the question came up as to why she’d studied History and Politics at university, rather than English. She attributed the initial decision to adolescent stupidity (her words, not mine), but then went on to say that she was very glad she hadn’t chosen English.

I couldn’t agree more, and it’s advice I’ve given to any yo...