My Life as a writer
When did you first realise you wanted to write for a living?
When I was trying to look busy at an office job I didn’t like. I stumbled on a new website looking for film reviewers, and that was that, I’d found my path.
Which writer, past or present, do you most admire?
JK Rowling. She persisted even though the odds were stacked against her.
What was your first published (or performed) credit as a writer?
My first ever published piece was a short story about the Grand National, told from the point of view of the horse.
Which piece of writing work are you most proud of?
The first ever script I wrote. It was for a competition in the US. I had no idea what I was doing, so I studied books on how to write them, whilst writing. Though there were moments of self doubt, I felt real joy in the process. The script was shortlisted in the competition and was given an honourable mention in another.
Who or what inspires you to write?
My family, and the TV and films I watch.
How do you switch off when you’re not writing?
I watch things (of course!) but I also spend a lot of time gaming and nurturing my houseplants.
Which one piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
It should be fun. If you are not having fun, something’s gone wrong!
Why are you a member of WGGB?
I wanted to prove to myself that I was serious about writing.
Layla Cummins is a writer and videogames enthusiast based in Bristol.
