Chatty Catch-up | Life, Writing, PhD, Moving etc.

[@SavidgeReads]

Loved this catch up, even more than that mug which I love a lot. Haha. You know me and mugs. Glad things are as good as can be. It was lovely to sit with a cuppa and watch this. Was almost as good as real life.

[@JeansThoughts]

A tkmaxx classic ;) love that mug!!!!

[@cheryllovestoread]

“In your face!! I did it!” I love this and I, for one, am very proud of you, too.🏆📝

[@kristinacanales5080]

I’ve been a subscriber for I don’t even remember how many years at this point. You were my introduction to BookTube! We’re the same age and share similar interests, so I’ve always felt a sort of kinship with you. I also lost my dad a few years before yours passed and I remember feeling so heartbroken as you faced your loss. I teach high school English and 2020 has definitely been so difficult work and mental health-wise, but your amazing energy and book recommendations have always been a great constant. I just wanted to thank you and wish you a ton of joy and happiness as the next year rolls around! ☺️

[@FaeryLaume]

My jaw literally dropped at your story about the school counselor dismissing your aspiration to be an author. And yet, I often find that I am most likely to accomplish something someone else tells me isn't possible. I personally respond with a fierce "Oh, well then, watch me!" Yes, holidays are such a mixed bag of joy and bittersweet and stress and chaos - I love and dread the winter holidays in about equal amounts.

[@karenmiddlebrook8215]

I'm so keen for another season of That's Ancient History. I'm your target audience! Went to an inner city comprehensive school in the late 80s and early 90s. Had never heard of 'the Classics' ! Our careers nights had about 5 professions on offer...nursing, police, local government etc.

[@jadelouise8143]

Aww thanks for sharing! Related to a lot of this. Finished my BA and started a MRes this year in classics and it's definitely been difficult to focus! But it has also given me a purpose since I'm not working rn. Thank you for sharing so much of your feelings around Christmas and your dad as well, it has helped me a lot to know that I'm not the only 1 going through a similar thing. Completely get the tree! It's something mum and I do on the anniversary of my dad's passing and it's emotional but also nice to relive memories etc. Moved back with mum a week before lockdown as well and for now I'm good here, so thankful for her. Take care! x

[@ReadingWithKT]

Hope you will get the chance to publish more, Jean. Coming from a Scottish state school, too, I experienced much of the same limiting judgements from teachers (“you’ll never do x”, “you won’t ever be y” etc), but it’s rare that I hear others talk about this. Thanks for sharing, and well done for persisting ❤️

[@alicjanka100]

I am a full time phd and this Year was very difficult, there were months that i did very very Little. Also got divorced this year so shitty year! Good luck with you PhD, my submission is in October 2021😱😱 xx

[@KittyAndTheBooks]

I wanna be done with my PhD thesis in October 21 as well. Don't know if it is possible, though... It's been a really rough year. I think we should all get a clap on the back that we managed to work on our theses at all!

[@SaintLawrence777]

Blessings. ..may 2021 bring better things for you. Hugs

[@franpilkington-cheney1164]

Lovely chat ☺️ I've been doing my PhD part time aswell but had many problems with supervisors leaving etc so it's been 8years, but entering the last 6months or so and writing and editing!! Keep going you can do it!

[@Idontneedadevil]

Such a lovely video. I have really enjoyed watching your videos these past few months, so calming. So thank you for doing them. I started this year on exchange in Edinburgh, and though I'd never been before I fell absolutely in love with the city. It was so devastating to leave after only three months, and I'm still kind of grieving the time I thought I'd have. Hopefully I'll be able to visit again sometime and I'll try another semester there on my masters. That's probably one of the reasons I love watching your videos, I get a little bit of Scottishness from it. Thanks again!

[@caitasoflate]

Just wanna say your videos have been a massive comfort for me this year, Jean! I also live in Edinburgh, I study at Edinburgh uni, and I absolutely want to settle down here, this city has my heart 💓

[@WhimsicalFamilyLife]

Thabk you for sharing, love tour energy and hearing about your life.

[@buttonedupreader6522]

I love your chatty videos Jean and I find heartwarming how amazingly honest you are about the ups and downs of life, it’s been a real breath of fresh air. I think this year has really difficult for so many people and I’m definitely one the lucky ones. I’ve had to deal with a short-notice move from London as well so I know how you feel about that. Unfortunately the move has also led me to have to give studying classical studies at Birkbeck.I’ve been able to continue studying by changing to an online ancient history and classical archaeology degree and while enjoy the course it isn’t quite the same. But your videos have been a great solace in a tough year and you’ve inspired me to start learning Ancient Greek. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family :)

[@rosemannering]

Love the idea of “an actual Scot writes highlander romance’! I relate a lot to your experience with agenting - I wrote a ya fantasy a year or so ago and had no luck with it so on to the next project :)

[@fozzymup268]

Good Luck with publishing your book/books Jean! Best Wishes 💕🎄📚

[@-ParisTexas-]

Your book is on my TBR! I am very excited to read it. I can't believe what your teacher said to you. It's ridiculous. A while back (I cannot find which video it was) you asked what we would like to see on your channel. I'd love to visit Scotland in the future (hopefully the near future) and I'd love to hear some recommendations for books set in Scotland. And anything Scotland and Edinburgh related (food, places, culture, language, film anything really).

[@angelahampson391]

Wishing you a wonderful festive break . You are a delight to listen to and inspirational.

[@katherineallen4239]

Good luck with your writing up! It's tough but so rewarding at the end. 😊

[@Horriyuo]

Thank you for sharing, love your chatty videos

[@kbyt85]

Had the worst year of my life. Lost my grandad in September and then my Mum 26th November (unexpectedly and suddenly - she was only 54) so I’m struggling with Christmas this year. I’m going to spend a lot of time reading and will be getting a take away and a bottle of wine I think! That’s fab news that you’ve finished your novel, I hope someone decides to pick it up! And also good luck with your proposal for your non fiction book.

[@leticia3541]

That must be so hard for you, sorry to hear of your loss. Hope you have a lovely Christmas x

[@kbyt85]

@@leticia3541 thank you, you too xx

[@thetastychapter]

Lovely to hear how you've been going and what you've been up to! I am so impressed by your reaction to losing your 10, 000 words!! I would not be that calm! Well done for not giving up and I can't wait to buy it off the bookshop shelves one day. Speaking of, your children's book is headed for my nephew's bookshelf as soon as he's old enough to read it. It's a beautiful book. I found this video very motivating - thank you - I'm also starting a novel draft and am about to begin a masters, with thoughts of a phd possibly in the future (wwaayy in the future!), so it was lovely to hear about your experiences. I hope you have a special Christmas with your loved ones.

[@misguidedghostsx3]

love a chatty video from you! Also appreciate all the content you’ve put out this year, it’s been great to have small moments of joy during this year ☺️ very excited for all the 2021 plans, whatever they may be! ( yes to an actual Scot writes a highlander romance!) 💖💖

[@srokachannel]

I'm also hoping to finish my PhD in 2022, looking forward to it, this year has been tough

[@JeansThoughts]

Yay good luck 🤞

[@srokachannel]

@@JeansThoughts Good luck to you too, it's the final stretch! :)

[@LiteraryMultitudes]

That was really inspring. :-) I loved the "writing club" livestreams you did this year a lot! :-)

[@jeanvmf]

Thank you for sharing, Jean! It was nice listening to you talk about all your plans, expectations, etc. I hope you have a nice holiday season and wish you all the best for the upcoming year. On another note, I can totally relate to getting sick of an academic work/topic XD

[@JentheLibrarianreads]

I really hope we get more books from you, I got your book for the school library and there are already lots of kids and teachers super excited about reading it ☺️

[@MollyWilders]

Oh my Gosh Jean, your story of telling the teacher you wanted to be an author reminds me of my start of 5th year and telling the careers advisor that I would love to study at Cambridge and he laughed in my face and went "yeah that'd be really hard..." I am also 28 now and I remember it clear as day.

[@CM-qj2lp]

Wishing you good luck on all of your plans

[@teatimewithnaomi]

Congratulations on your book! I'm late to say it but it's amazing. 2020 has been the best and the worst. I moved to Canada late 2019 so not being able to see family this year was hard. My husband most his job and my immigration status is on hold. HOWEVER, I had a baby and was a month in hospital because of it, got myself a literary agent while in hospital and mg husband recently got his dream job. So, 2020 has been rough but has also given me a lot. I feel very grateful.

[@raijaynehearse]

I loved this video so much! Glad you're doing okay. I am currently in the process of applying for a PhD. So terrifying. Also re-writing my first novel in the hopes of getting in re-published. Congratulations on your book! Also can't wait to one day read your novel. 🖤🖤

[@oliviamooo9423]

I ate some pizza while i watched this and felt like we were just chatting, loved the video! I really appreciate how open and honest you are about going through tough times and emotions, I'm only 19 but 2020 has definitely been the hardest year of my life! I honestly wasn't sure for a while if I could make it through, but thankfully I worked up the courage and am now on medication for anxiety/depression and while 2020 is still absolutely awful, I don't feel like I'm going to collapse under the pressure quite so much anymore, which is much appreciated! I also just wanted to say I'm hoping I can get my hands on your book once I get my Christmas giftcards and im super excited! I love anything to do with mythology!! :)

[@YasmeenKhan]

best wishes for the new year and thank you for keeping us company with your lovely content :) I also studied Classics at university - started a phd a while ago but never finished it, and it's a big regret, of course, but that's how life goes and I sort of have changed course to pursue writing and illustration. but I do think about applying again all the time. I've lived in Edinburgh for three years now, and having grown up in London, I'm confident in saying Edinburgh's better :)

[@hayleyc5594]

Loving your channel, that mug in this clip and your honesty. This video felt very natural and I loved having an insight into your thoughts.

[@flaviam.6048]

Lovely video and congratulations for all you've accomplished this year! :)

[@lucreziagaion6838]

Hi Jean :) thanks for sharing! I’d love a writing club to be honest. I a bit of everything including fantasy and middle grade and I’m always looking for a writing community :) in the meantime, I wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season.

[@gyhrioa]

This video really inspired me to get back into writing and reading. I’ve been so busy with work that I just haven’t had time do anything fun and creative.

[@demeldapenkitty7937]

This was such a lovely catch up, I lost my Mum on Christmas Eve many years ago and for a long time I found Christmas such a difficult time. It does get easier. Love your mug too btw!

[@teaspoones]

I really enjoyed this video so much! I’ve been following you for so many years and remember that I was thinking about my BA thesis when you started your PhD and was always super interested in your journey because of your topic and my wish to do a PhD. I finally submitted by MA thesis this November and have been applying for jobs at uni to do a PhD and hope that I can start this journey soon. I love that you’re so honest about your relationship with your project and it really helps to hear these things too. Good luck with uni and all your writing projects! Your fantasy novel sounds very cool and yes to a series about you writing a highlander romance :D I also moved back into my parents’ house due to the pandemic and yeah it’s been a funny year. (I love my parents and like living at home but I miss my uni friends who are almost 500km away.) Have a wonderful festive season and I hope you can enjoy this time no matter what you end up doing.

[@levitybooks3952]

I'm literally submitting my neuroscience PhD dissertation in a day or two, it's been such a long journey! I think the point at which you believe in and yet hate your PhD is the sign you are ready to start finishing up! Getting a position in academia seems to be getting more and more of a struggle, but it's nice that we can still create knowledge.

[@blueberrygirl_reads4762]

Would love a vlog of a Scott writes highland romance 🥰 Also I love your book, my kids only speak/read swedish right now but I translate the storys for them until they learn more english 😁 and I enjoy it for my self and thats the most important thing for me. Hope you get the chanse to write another one.

[@lindaklinedinst9236]

I really enjoyed this - Thank You for doing this Video. I have a special place in my heart for Scotland because my Grandparents and my Ancestors on my Dad’s Side came from Germany Via the Boat as well as Scotland. I have always loved Scotland all of my life. I have always wanted to make a trip and see Scotland. I wish you luck on your Ph.D. I know it’s not easy right now due to everything that is going on. Glad that you can live with your Mom. That is Great. I did not know that you were a Author if I heard you correctly. This is super great. I am Reading Miss Austen by Gill Hornby. This book is so so good. What are you Reading? Happy Reading ❤️🔰📚📖❤️

[@peaceloveandjk]

Would love a writing club tier!! I don't have a big budget but I'd love to support on Patreon for that

[@OverstuffedShelf]

I love your thoughts on accessibility of the classics. My family wasn't religious so instead of like, bible stories or something I had an illustrated book of greek myths growing up and it meant a lot to me. I am also completing a PhD and a couple years ago renamed my computer Sisyphus 🙃 it felt like the best description of the task. BUT I'M ALSO TRYING TO FINISH IN 2021! Ok sorry that is all. Happy holidays 💕

[@RehanAli-xh4tk]

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[@maryap8821]

I love your chatty videos! Wishing you all the best in 2021 😊

[@JeansThoughts]

Thank you you too!!!

[@ann-kathrinmeyenburg7265]

Thanks for your video, Jean! This year has been strange for all of us! Let is celebrate nontheless! I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! Ann 🎄🥰

[@agirlabookandamom6721]

I am a high school math teacher and I'm getting my graduate degree is Applied Statistics. So I see things from both sides of education. I absolutely and completely agree with you that everyone's brains are running slower. It is so terribly difficult to concentrate and learn when anxieties are running high.

[@LaChicaMadrilena]

That was a lovely video, thanks for sharing!

[@TheNovelSanctuary]

Lovely mug! Also cannot wait to get rid of this year

[@booksnotlovers]

I got weirdly emotional watching this video, but 2020 generally has me weirdly emotional. I work in a bar, and 2020 has been *difficult* to say the least, luckily I get government support, and I was able to buy an apartment this year!

[@JeansThoughts]

I totally get that aha - I’m so glad you were able to get support! That’s how it should be!!!

[@karenrubins-lawrie103]

I work in a funeral home and am in my 5th of 6 years years of an OU politics degree. This year has been beyond difficult, I'm so behind on uni work. I'm now self isolating until Christmas Day after coming into contact with someone on my commute. It just feels like the cherry on the crappy cake that sums up this year. And I miss my parents so so much. I am so ready for the nation to be vaccinated and my workload be less harrowing. And to hug my parents again.

[@gatosandwichera]

Keep going!!! Distance learning is hard, but we can do it!!! Tha day to hug our families again will come :)

[@gabrielabtomasi]

Lovely to listen to you, Jean! I am going to my 3rd year of uni next year. Unfortunately, still not in person. Last term was so stressful i can't even haha... Hopefully it will come back in person soon, i really miss everyone. Hope you have a great christmas and an as good as possible new year. PS: I really want you book >

[@sophiecarbone4977]

Really loved this catch up! Been missing your videos! Definitely related to good bit of this with school. I am not working towards a PhD but just added on a double major this year in art history and it has already been so much to tackle!! Best of luck with all this new stuff coming your way!! Maybe things be easier next year

[@ronnietopper4915]

Just wanted to say that my son and I love your book. It looks and feel amazing but most importantly it is very clear, fun and approachable for children. I'm sure he will carry on with with myth reading in the future. (I also sent you a massage on instagram with a candid photo...;-)) Hope you'll have a good ending for this year and looking forward for more of your bookish thoughts.

[@bookingforewordtoit]

We should all mass tweet your publisher to keep picking up your books!!

[@lauraevans6285]

2020 has been mad, happy to have moved out though was gutted to be in tier 4 and unable to visit family at Christmas. But still making the most of it and fortunately am not alone this Christmas so feeling blessed ❤

[@joreads8782]

Yes to the PhD feelings. I don’t know many people who don’t go through those feelings! The humanities is really under fire here in Australia. The government have put the price up on those courses but at the same time decided to decrease cost of STEM courses but haven’t covered the cost discrepancy. As someone who works in STEM, disparaging other areas is not what we want to see, we see the necessity of the social sciences!

[@heatherm561]

I'm excited for you to finish your fantasy novel. I'd love to read it someday. I have gotten to the editing process in my fantasy novel and have started a LGBTQ FF romance novel. Highlander romance!?! So f'in' cool! Sounds like you have some great plans! Wishing you a fantastic '21!

[@beatingaroundthebooks]

You've accomplished so much! 🤩 Makes me feel a bit disappointed in myself, so I guess I'd better get on with it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your fantasy novel, and I'm definitely here for the Highlander romance written by a Scot. Still looking forward to getting my hands on your book, I think it'll be my first buy in the new year.

[@JeansThoughts]

No way, the biggest accomplishment is making it through 2020!

[@MsMyrmaid]

Love how you talk about the romance genre, so I'd love to read your take on Highlander romance.

[@gracetaylor7351]

I love your chatty videos and you are just cool !! 🙂❤️

[@Amyduckie]

My 2020 has been up and down, personally. I’ve been with my partner 10 years almost and while it’s been stressful because he’s immunocompromised, we bit the bullet and got married. We’ve been engaged for YEARS and it just seemed like the right time for us to have a small wedding and do the thing. 😂 It’s so tricky, this year, it’s literally upended everything. And I get what you’re saying about your brain working slower. I feel like my brain is on vacation some days. 😆 Really pleased to hear about your book, it sounds fantastic.

[@ReadingWithKT]

Have you heard of Unbound btw? Not sure if it will be the right thing for you but it’s a crowdfunder publisher. Also highlander romance written by a Scot? I’ll read it! 😍👏🏼

[@kateadale7100]

Usually I am not all that bothered about Christmas because I always end to having to go to my dad's at Christmas and he never lets me watch anything I want or says I can watch something and then talks all the way through it so looking forwards to being able watch things as they are on. Not that I don't love my dad but I my prefur not to spend Christmas with him does that sound awful. But this year he lives 300 miles away so not allowed to see him this year and I feel like I can just spend Christmas how I want to and not how he wants me too.

[@braincabbage]

I've never felt like such a failure as I did in 2020. I kept being rejected for every job I applied for (which was many, and I'm still unemployed), I had to go on benefits, my mental illnesses are on an all-time low, I feel like such a waste of space... What a shit year.

[@JeansThoughts]

I totally get that feeling but you definitely aren’t. Both my parents have been on benefits in their lifetime and if I couldn’t have moved home there would have been no way I could have paid my rent. Your doing everything you can - it’s the system that’s a mess and it will get better!

[@carolineappleton3177]

Hearing your hatred for.your PhD made me laugh (in a nice, relatable way!). I'm about halfway through mine, and I hate it with all of my soul! All my data collection is in preschools, so that hasn't happened at all, and that's the fun part!

[@Amyduckie]

Pasta and Bones on Christmas sounds fantastic, ngl.

[@JeansThoughts]

Right 🤣

[@ts_editor]

I really clicked to hear about the Highlander Smut, only to be 2020'd. :/ Buoyed by your positivity. Do your thing, Jean.

[@EGaborovna]

Wow, I would totally be here for your writing tier on Patreon! Since you asked for ideas.... :) - As a minimum I would love to have it as a team of accountability partners, because while we have motivation it would be great to have some push. I work a lot better if I'm kept accountable, I think most of us is. But maybe not a whole open chat because I'm the one hiding in the background, never talking, and loosing all use of it. It would also be great to have some help with my writing, and since you and everyone has a limited amount of time instead of full coaching it could be like 1-3 questions are allowed to be asked from you a month, regarding writing? That way everyone can tailor it to their own problem areas, receive insight where they need it then and there, and you are also not receiving full manuscripts to critique and edit. :D Maybe, just ideas. I got the 3 questions idea from the book Spinning Silver haha :D

[@inessamaria2428]

Dr Jean Menzies

[@alicjanka100]

Where can I get your book?

[@angelalewis6146]

Is your book available in the U.S.? I want to be an author as well. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be an author?

[@mbergie1313]

I’m sure you’ve probably seen this before as you are in your PhD for classics, but you might want to look into the Society for Classical Studies (classicalstudies.org). It is a US based organization for those in Classics, but the job placements aren’t just for US institutions; I’ve actually seen some recently for universities in the UK posted. So it might be worth checking out? Also, just while I’m here, I know I don’t comment on videos much, but your videos, especially on classics related topics, really helped me through my own undergrad degree in classical civilisations. And really, they’ve helped me realize that I do want to pursue further study in the field (though I think I’d focus more on classical archaeology). So yeah, just wanted to let you know that your videos have helped me a lot and were still enjoyable and knowledgeable and inspiring for someone in the same field! Good luck on your PhD, and whatever you do decide to do once you graduate!

[@mohankashyap3534]

👍🏻

[@Gillian.Ashcroft.66]

You're a ⭐

[@sophiecarbone4977]

Really loved this catch up! Been missing your videos! Definitely related to good bit of this with school. I am not working towards a PhD but just added on a double major this year in art history and it has already been so much to tackle!! Best of luck with all this new stuff coming your way!! Maybe things be easier next year