Duncan Barrett
Writer and historian Class of 2001How did CLS get you ready for the world of work?
“I learned how to juggle a lot of different projects at once, and – in the sixth form at least – the importance of coffee for getting through the day. There was a machine in the sixth-form common room that for 30p would dispense a tiny plastic cup containing something called ‘espressochoc’. I lived on it!”
What was your first job?
“Filing documents as a temp at Camden Housing Office. It was extremely dull, but they let me listen to audiobooks while I worked.”
Your biggest professional achievement?
“When my book GI Brides made the New York Times bestsellers list in 2014. And last year, when my podcast Titanic: Ship of Dreams was chosen by The Atlantic as one of their Top 20 of the year.”
Your most challenging professional moment?
“When a publisher gave me the weekend to cut 25,000 words from a very overlength book manuscript. Oh for an espressochoc machine at home!”
What inspires and motivates you at work?
“Telling surprising true stories that otherwise might go untold, and meeting inspiring people. I’ve done more than 400 interviews over the past 15 years, but I never know what someone will tell me until I sit down with them.”
One piece of advice for pupils and other Old Citizens about getting into your profession
“A bad draft is better than no draft at all, so don’t worry too much before you start writing. Ditto podcasting – the barriers to entry are low and there’s no better way to learn than from your own mistakes.”
