I bought the CD while mooching around Sunderland waiting for my friend in 2009. I went into a record shop, heard it playing and asked the dude behind the desk what was on. He let me have the CD for £3. It feels like a lifetime ago.

Tonight, I turned the lights off, poured myself a glass of single malt, turned off all but my reading light and listened to Grandaddy’s wonderful 2001 album Sumday. Sometimes, it is the little pleasures that make life worth living

And it allows the obvious answers to become more polished (why did you decide on this subject, can you defend your originality, talk me through your methodology). These are predicable questions that can be rehearsed.

I got into quite a heated argument with a colleague about the need for a mock viva. My PhD students have always had a mock - because I think it is about being confident in the process. My colleague says they do more harm than good (I still think we’re right).

You’ve put it far more articulately than I could have. But I agree. It’s a victim of its own inclusivity and reach. People want to share their imaginings. But it takes a very special writer to do it without in some way spoiling the mix.

The thesis is your friend. Use it as a guide to help the examiner understand your arguments. Many PhD students treat it as a memory test - use your work to defend your argument(s)

This is where Uncle Terry’s novels were perfect. They corrected the plot holes and internal story issues but left the broader, mad stuff well alone!

Twas ever thus! Don’t try kidding us this is a recent development 🤣🤣

Which is a mistake at the opposite end of the spectrum that fan writers also make - in getting *too* tied up with canon (and showing again why I shouldn’t write for the show!)

Sending all good thoughts to you. First, I hope the result is a positive one for you and second that you get through the process x