Writing the self in memoir: Camilla Balshaw on Named

Writing the self in memoir: Camilla Balshaw on Named

From The Writing Life by National Centre for Writing

May 4, 2026 · 46 min · Episode 368

About this episode

Camilla Balshaw discusses her memoir 'Named' and explores themes of identity and belonging.

In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Norfolk-based writer Camilla Balshaw shares insights into exploring themes of identity and belonging in her memoir, Named – an engaging and intimate investigation of what makes us who we are. Camilla Balshaw has written for the Guardian and the Observer. She holds an MA in Creative & Life Writing from Goldsmiths (Distinction) and is an Honorary Research Fellow in Name Studies at the University of Nottingham. Her memoir Named won the Biography & Memoir category winner in the East Anglian Book Awards 2025. She sat down with NCW’s Holly Ainley for a candid conversation about the origins of her memoir, which intertwines an exploration of names, global naming conventions and identity politics within a moving, personal narrative about the finding of family and self. They also touch on her approach to writing about real people, the impact of names on our sense of self, and the vulnerability involved in sharing personal stories with readers.

People in this episode

Host: Holly Ainley

Guest: Camilla Balshaw

Topics covered

  • memoir
  • identity
  • belonging
  • writing process
  • personal narrative

Keywords

  • memoir
  • identity
  • belonging
  • Camilla Balshaw
  • writing
  • personal stories
  • names
  • narrative

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Centre for Writing, Goldsmiths, University of Nottingham

Books & works: Named

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