My Writing Life: Matthew Barry
"Stop thinking about it, stop procrastinating, just write it."
Matthew Barry is a Welsh screenwriter living in Los Angeles and London. Earlier this year, he won the BAFTA Cymru Award for his original BBC One drama, Men Up – described as “the Full Monty with Viagra” – which followed the 1994 Swansea-based trials of the drug Viagra and the impact on the men involved. Men Up also won the RTS Wales Award for Best Drama, Best Feature at the Banff World Media Festival and was nominated for RTS Best Single Drama.
An alumni of the BBC Writers’ Academy, Matthew’s previous credits include Industry, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Death in Paradise, Banana and Stella. Matthew started his career writing across numerous continuing dramas including multiple episodes of EastEnders, Holby City and Casualty, for which he wrote the 30th Anniversary episode and RTS Award Winning Episode.
What book should every writer read?
There are far too many “How To” guides for writers out there but Into the Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them by John Yorke is the only one I’ve found that deconstructs why we structure stories the way we do and why we tell stories in the first place. It’s a fascinating read.
What is your typical writing day like?
At the moment, because I’m in production on a new BBC series and living in LA (eight hours behind!) I wake up at 5.30 am and immediately check my e-mails. (Definitely not good for my blood pressure). Inevitably, there will be issues on set, amendments that need to be made — because a location fell through or other such fun issues — and costumes/sets/castings all need to be approved.
I try — as much as it’s possible — to clear my inbox before heading to Starbucks for my second coffee of the day. Back at my desk, I’ll watch the rushes of what we shot the previous day and then begin writing. If possible, I’ll try to have a nap around 3.30 in the afternoon before, most likely, doing some more work after dinner.
Who has been an influential figure in your writing career?
Russell T Davies has been a huge influence. He’s a master storyteller and every fledgling writer should read his scripts (his stage directions alone are world class).
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you started your career as a professional writer?
It never ends!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received about your writing?
“It’s a marathon not a sprint.” And then, for more practical advice: “Just write it.” Stop thinking about it, stop procrastinating, just write it. Get it on the page, even if it’s terrible. I often write like this. I’ll write a truly terrible, perfunctory scene with the worst dialogue you can possibly imagine - because it’s far easier to re-write than write.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I recently won a BAFTA for my screenplay, Men Up, which was fun. But actually, my first writing credit on EastEnders was probably my proudest moment. It’s such an iconic credit, coming after that “duff duff” cliffhanger music at the end of an EastEnders episode. And millions of people watching too. That was a real thrill.
What are you reading right now?
The Centre by Ayesha Manager Siddiqi. (Very good it is too.)
Are you a bookmarker or page-folder?
Folder! Definitely a folder.
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