Julie Barker lives in Jo’burg and has written for television series such as Tsha Tsha, Isidingo and The Wild. She was Head writer for Izozo Connexion and Scandal. Julie is at present writing a novel as part of her MA in Creative Writing at Wits.

What kind of writing do you enjoy?
Writing scripts and writing prose.

What inspires you to write?
People, events that I witness and places. Anything that triggers an emotional response in me.

How did you start writing?
I’ve always told stories. My first story was published in the newspaper when I was 10. Before I could write I would make up stories and make my brother enact them!

What’s your advice for young writers?
The thing that separates a writer from anyone else is that they have their own unique way of seeing the world. Develop that in yourself: ask yourself what you really think about … Everything. Answer those questions for yourself. You don’t have to know all the answers to life, as long as you’re asking questions, then you’re on your way to becoming a writer.