My Life as a writer
When did you first realise you wanted to write for a living?
I have been making up stories ever since I could hold a pen, but I didn’t realise people could be paid for doing it. That realisation came much later. I was obsessed with action cinema growing up, and reading an article in Empire magazine about Shane Black – not to mention the eye watering sums he was paid for his scripts – really solidified “writer” as a job in my mind. I realised much later than I should have that people were paid for all kinds of writing, but film and TV were all I cared about.
Which writer, past or present, do you most admire?
It changes all the time. At the moment, William Goldman. The Princess Bride is basically a perfect film, not to mention Butch Cassidy, Marathon Man, All The President’s Men… Phenomenal hit rate.
What was your first published (or performed) credit as a writer?
My short film Empty Nest won a screenplay contest which included a ‘performance’ of the script as part of the prize.
It was a small achievement but I was incredibly proud.
Which piece of writing work are you most proud of?
I always feel that my current work is my best work. I am developing a sitcom pilot at the moment that I am in love with. Having said that, my first ever screenplay Sam and Dog felt like a huge achievement at the time.
Who or what inspires you to write?
A desire to be heard/need for attention mostly!
How do you switch off when you’re not writing?
I have three children so I am kept busy, but I am never far away from thinking about story.
Which one piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write as much as possible. It doesn’t come easy.
Why are you a member of WGGB?
To be a part of something important, and network with like-minded individuals.
Born, illness, childhood, stories, bereavement, stories, illness, stories, work, children, marriage, more children, more work, more children, more bereavement, more stories, pandemic, stories, redundancy, stories second chance, education, passion, stories.
