Alum Interview: Lucy Gray
- Molly with Lucy Gray
- Jan 5, 2017
- 2 min read
Credit Chipping Campden School
What a blast from the past! I was honoured to be invited back to Chipping Campden school to talk to some keen student writers about my experiences since leaving school. I'm very early on in my career of journalism, blogging and playwriting so I can't claim to be an expert, but they are my passions and it was amazing to be able to share it with fellow Campdonians. Only a few years ago I was sitting in those green chairs in my blazer wondering how on earth you get from Campden to a real newsroom, or to a theatre stage.
During my visit the students and I talked about my Feminist and Illustration website etym (www.etymnews.com) and different types of news writing. We then brainstormed ideas for new blogs and discussed how to get into these different industries.
1- Best memories of Chipping Campden?
It's got to be the people. I made friends for life there and Campden will always have a special place in my heart. Whether it was standing having a gossip by the tiger, doing incessant laps around the school at break or messing about in the music department, we always had a good time.
2- Motivation to get up and work every day?
I guess I try and do as much fun but productive stuff in my life as possible. So even if work is tough, I always have projects on the go - usually my blog, theatre or music - that gives me something to really look forward to. That and a very strong coffee!
3- Worries at sixth form age?
How long have you got! Getting the grades for university is the obvious one, but to be honest it was a lot of silly things too. Passing my driving test, arguing with a boyfriend, what to wear for a night out in Cheltenham. Everything back then seemed much...bigger than it does now. There's a part of me that misses how exciting everything was back then, but don't get me wrong! I wouldn't want to be 17 again. I don't think I could cope with that much drama...
4- Struggles of getting a job?
I think that question should be getting a *paid* job! Getting free writing work is very easy to do and is often a great way to break into the industry, especially journalism and theatre. For me it was a case of getting as many qualifications as I could, writing as much as I could and doing part-time work in anything vaguely related. Now more than ever it is so difficult for people to get into writing professionally and be able to live. So I guess I'd say it's not an easy road, but if you're persistent and work hard you'll get there.
5- In what way did your time at Campden influence your career (of being a writer)?
The Campden I knew was full of creative people. Even in year 7 everyone seemed to be musician, or love acting or writing, or was just generally funny and interesting! And that goes for the teachers too. If you combine that with the rolling hills you're never short of inspiration.
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