Laura Sansom

Laura Sansom

When did you first realise you wanted to write for a living?

When I was young I do remember singing my own songs but didn’t really rediscover all things creative and writing till near the end of my time at secondary school. A cathartic therapeutic hobby to start with, a poet to start with (still am).

Then after a while, perhaps the last five years, I have managed to turn the hobby into something of a more professional career choice.

Which writer, past or present, do you most admire?

I fell in love with writing and poetry again through the works of Sylvia Plath, not through my own studies but my friend was studying English literature and the more cultured discussions would be about her thesis and classes and she ended up lending me her books when finished, The Bell Jar being one of them.

What was your first published (or performed) credit as a writer?

My first poems were published as a prize winner in a collection in the USA. Soon after that I had put together my first anthology of works which was published on the Lulu publishing site.

I then had some poetry book reviews for a magazine, still entered works into poetry anthology collections, wrote articles on a variety of themes from John Milton to food/cookery and more.

Then there was the flash fiction and short stories and most recently my first scripts were published on hosting sites a few years ago.

Which piece of writing work are you most proud of?

My own creative projects will always have a place at the top of proudest and favourite pieces, but as for published pieces from commissioned works I am usually fascinated by the research behind the project.

Publishing the third poetry anthology seemed to be a worthwhile thing to have been able to do, however not by any means a final chapter.

I have always had a love for music, having such an eclectic mix of the music I like to listen to it was a treat to be able to do some work about country music.

Who or what inspires you to write?

Real life will always fall into most writers’ works. Inspiration can also come from learning something new (not always the easy way).

How do you switch off when you’re not writing?

Crafting, mainly paper crafting such as greeting card making and music, always music somewhere.

When allowed, I do the stereotyped writer thing and can be enjoying a coffee somewhere people watching.

Which one piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I started late, but I was ready at that point. It will happen, hard work yes, but something does just suddenly click – be ready, be prepared but don’t stress.

Why are you a member of WGGB?

A worthy professional support group/network. The Friday newsletter prompts me to do more creative activity and keeps me up-to-date with news and current affairs. I also like the campaigns, promoting equal opportunities and diversity.

Laura Sansom is a writer of many genres and formats, everything from poetry to screenplays. Along the way topics covered have been everything from famous writers, food, fashion, football and fun (comedy), as well as music, crime, drama, romance, history and education. Also the occasional acting gig, but I tend to stay behind the scenes mostly, make of that what you will!

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