'If I have a full day off to write, it’s up early, music in the kitchen, two cups of coffee, a little bit of dancing then gerron'.

The Quick View
with William Letford


Why do you write?
It’s what I decided to fill my time with, and I like everything that goes with it. Reading, listening, looking closely, stealing bits of conversation. It’s become so much of a habit I feel my life wouldn’t make sense without it.

What are you working on at the moment?
Never let the juice out of the bottle. Let’s say…a story.

What is your writing routine (if you have one)?
No routine. Although I keep reminding myself I should get one. If I have a full day off to write, it’s up early, music in the kitchen, two cups of coffee, a little bit of dancing then gerron. It beats lifting bricks.

Who is your favourite writer?
I have many. Too many to list here but let’s say Jack Gilbert because I think he doesn’t get enough attention.

What book do you wish you’d written?
If I’d written The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking, The New Penguin History of the World by J.M. Roberts, The Strange of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, and the ancient Indian Hindu text, Kama Sutra, I’m sure I’d be an interesting dinner guest.

What book / books are next to your bed?
At the moment it’s Chasing the Sun by Richard Cohen.

Best piece of writerly advice you care to share?
Roger McGough wrote me a letter when I was young. He told me to, ‘KEEP WRITING!’ I don’t think it can get more simple, or truthful, than that.