Playful Writing with Diane Samuels

The Writer's Toolkit

In this episode, I chat with Diane Samuels, the British playwright behind the hugely successful, Kindertransport. Diane's beautifully confronting play won the Verity Bargate Award in 1992 and Meyer-Whitworth Award in 1993 - enjoying a West End run at the Vaudeville Theatre in 1996 and an Off-Broadway production by Manhattan Theatre Club. We talk about Diane's playful approach to playwriting, her unique Writing & Meditation workshops; plus, a writing adventure that inspired a new creative direction.

Words of Wisdom

Diane Samuels... on being more of a cottage writer than an industrialist: "I want a writing life - the career is only part of that. It's not the point, it's an expression of it. If all you're concerned about is high-output and produce, you're gonna start making tasteless tomatoes!"

Conversation Highlights & Links

• [04:22] Remaining productive and inspired during lockdown
• [06:38] Daily practices in form
• [09:12] Diane's writing space and daily routine, rituals and process
• [20:15] Proprioceptive Writing (Writing the Mind Alive)
• [24:47] A chance writing adventure
• [34:36] Diane's Writing & Meditation workshops
• [38:55] Currently reading > Hamnet & A Swim in a Pond in the Rain

Connect with Diane

• Visit Diane's website
• Connect on Instagram @dianeesamuels
• Connect on Twitter @WritingBright
• Diane's published plays and books

Connect with Paul

• Buy the book, The Writer's Toolkit
• Visit Paul's website
• Connect on Instagram @PaulKalburgi
• Connect on Twitter @PaulKalburgi

Next time...

I talk to screenwriter and author Mark Sanderson. Be sure to follow or subscribe and we'll let you know when the next episode is published.

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