Next in our Writers at Work series, Representing Wales alum Stacey Taylor discusses her writing practice, researching the painter Gwen John and the magic of libraries.

Tell us about your writing life. When did it start? What does it look like now?

I remember reading books like The Magic Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton, Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce, The Snow Spider by Jenny Nimmo and Moondial by Helen Creswell. I loved the mix of trees, gardens and nature mixed with fantasy and magic. I wrote my own little stories (exercise books from Woolworths) and I won a writing competition in school with my tale: ‘The Lonely Daffodil’.

I still enjoy entering writing competitions and I like having a deadline. I’ve also been fortunate to be involved in several writing schemes that have really helped to give me structure in my writing life.

What kind of writing excites you most?

I love humour and sharp, witty dialogue in all genres. I think that comes from watching TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gilmore Girls growing up. I like a distinctive voice and I’m partial to a twist.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on a dual timeline novel that features Welsh artist Gwen John. I find her work very inspiring and it’s been great to be able to research her life in detail.

Where do you write?

I mainly write at home, but I’m a library fan. I was chosen to be part of the Emerging Writers programme at The London Library, and it has been an absolute dream exploring the stacks, finding different desks to write at, and following in the footsteps of writers such as Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens and Angela Carter. Whenever I get the opportunity, I also enjoy writing in museums and art galleries. I love writing at the Natural History Museum and Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd, which are beautiful buildings and very inspiring.

When do you write?

I make the most of any spare snatches of time, but I’m definitely a night owl.

And… Why do you write?

I can’t imagine not writing. It helps me make sense of the world and is my creative outlet.

Is there a book or author that has influenced you?

There are so many, but I’m a big fan of Marian Keyes and the way she mixes humour with difficult situations. Rachel’s Holiday is a book I enjoy going back to, despite my ever-growing to-be-read pile.

And what role does reading play in your creative practice?

Reading always fires my imagination, inspiring me to go back to my own writing when I’m facing a blank page.

Tell us about something you are really proud of.

I’m really excited to be part of Hay Writers at Work.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given as a writer developing your practice?

Read. Read. Read. And to keep a notebook handy to jot down plot ideas and bits of dialogue. I always think I will remember the plot solution I have on the way to work, or the bright idea when I wake suddenly at 3.a.m, but I never do. I was also advised to get a first draft written before trying to do any editing, and that has been working for me.

There are so many ways to have a creative career. What would life as a ‘working’ writer look like for you?

The dream would be the ability to write full-time, but for now it’s making sure to write daily around the day job, and making the most of any opportunities.