Where do you find your story?
(Non-fiction) Books and people.
As a writer, what’s the best advice someone’s given you?
Always stop when it’s going well.
What keeps you keep focused and motivated?
A (self-devised) timetable.
What is it about writing for theatre that keeps you scribing?
Actors and audiences.
Top 3 tips for aspiring writers
- Invest in some good stationary.
- Keep a list of people you’d like to work with (directors, actors, designers- the lot).
- Jaffa Cake bars.
Where do you find inspiration?
I think I’m probably yet to find it…
What’s the next step: what do you do once you’ve finish a play?
Don’t look at it for two weeks…then go back to it and read it straight through without stopping (eg don’t take/make any notes) and see if you enjoy it. And if you don’t, try and work out why.
Which play do you wish you’d written?
The Crucible by Arthur Miller.
If you could, what advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
Get a proper hair cut.
Is there a certain musician/track you listen to while writing / for inspiration?
Always like to listen to music, but changes from play to play. On Constellations, for instance, listened to ‘Hey Anna Lena’ by Bell X1 over and over.
When do you take the leap from making writing a hobby to making it your full time job?
Whenever you like, I think. But my hunch would be there really is no rush.
Why do you write?
Because Masterchef keep turning me down.
Nick Payne
For the Royal Court: Constellations (2012), Wanderlust (2010) The Lost Mariner (Rough Cut); Starlings (2008 Young Writers Festival Reading).
Other plays include: If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet (Bush).
Awards Include: 2009 George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright.
Nick was a member of the Royal Court Young Writers Programme.
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