Tim Lott
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Description
Award-winning writer Tim Lott has lived a life full of twists, turns, and the occasional bad trip. From a train journey with David Bowie to navigating severe depression, ADHD, and the chaos of fathering four daughters, Tim reflects on the moments that shaped him.
He talks about growing up working-class, discovering how medication and diagnosis made sense of his past, and why he once thought Mike Leigh was faking it. Plus, his unexpected love for tennis, the haunting music of Gillian Welch, and unapologetically cheesy musicals.
But at the heart of it all? A family tragedy surrounding his mother that changed everything—and set him on the path to becoming a writer. Now, he’s sharing what he’s learned, running a writer’s boot camp to help others tell their own stories.
Witty, raw, and full of surprises—this is Tim Lott, unfiltered.
Life Jackets
Lifejackets in this podcast refer to the personal tools and rituals that keep us afloat in the waves of life. Whether it’s a film, tv show, music, a favourite book, a crossword puzzle, or the steady presence of a dog, these are the things that keep us afloat. Everyone needs their own lifejackets—small but essential things that help us stay sane in an insane world.
- Films – Synedoche NY
- TV – Maniac
- Music – Gillian Welch
- Gardening – Tim hates gardening
- Hobbies – Carbohydrates, sleep, complaining
- Exercise – Cycling, tennis, walking
I am a member of Tim Lott’s Boot Camp and was referred here by him. It was a pleasure to hear some of his story because it gives context to what he writes and how he teaches. Despite the fact that I am a US citizen, female, and a scientist, I find that we share some elements in common. We grew up in the same era and I know what he means about being bored! I am forewarned about confessional writing, so I won’t say more. I look forward to his tutelage as I am a novice fiction writer, and I agree, it is not easy. No, I don’t talk like this usually. It’s the result of listening to Shed Talks and Brit envy.