My Life as a writer
When did you first realise you wanted to write for a living?
As a child. I realised that no matter what happened during the day I could always go to bed and dream it differently. I also learned that if you could tell people a story or make them laugh they were less likely to beat you up.
Which writer, past or present, do you most admire?
Cormac McCarthy.
What was your first published (or performed) credit as a writer?
Some poems and articles and stage work but my first big break was Billy Webb’s Amazing Story for the BBC.
Which piece of writing work are you most proud of?
The last piece.
Who or what inspires you to write?
It’s a compulsion. It feels like work. Inspiration, whatever that is, comes and goes.
How do you switch off when you’re not writing?
A few glasses of red wine. And sport.
Which one piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
If you need your ego soothing you’re in the wrong line of work.
Why are you a member of WGGB?
Because it’s a great institution. Has never lost its bearings.
Steve Attridge began as a performance poet before moving on to writing stage plays, scripts and novels. He has had over 100 TV scripts, seven films and nine stage plays produced, and 18 books published. He has been a BAFTA nominee twice, and has also won a number of awards including several RTS Awards, and two Writers’ Guild Awards (for Billy Webb and The Bill). On top of writing, he also directs and acts, and his last stage piece had a run at Shakespeare’s Birthplace. He has taught and lectured all over the world. You can find more information on his website.
