What is the best thing that I love about my work?

I love having the opportunity to craft new worlds featuring a cast of diverse and complex characters. I love crafting entire universes where I can bend the rules of reality and see my vision come to life. I also find it enjoyable to create characters who challenge societal norms to offer fresh perspectives on real-life issues.

What is my idea of happiness?

Constantly striving to be the best version of myself. Not necessarily by external measures of success, but by evolving my own standards. Embracing my strengths, working on my weaknesses and learning from every experience. Ultimately, just living authentically without fear of judgement.

What is my greatest fear?

Not being able to control the inevitable.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

My tendency to still feel empathy for people who have hurt me. Even when I know that they’ve caused me pain, I find myself attempting to understand their perspective. It can lead me to hold on to relationships longer than I should and to prioritise someone else’s well-being over my own healing. While empathy could be considered a strength, in this instance it makes it harder for me to set boundaries or to walk away when I know that I should. At the same time, I’d rather be someone who feels too much than someone who feels nothing at all. The challenge for me is learning to balance empathy with self-respect.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

Vivienne Medrano, Lisa McGee, and Alex Hirsch because they’ve all pushed the boundaries of storytelling by bringing unique, immersive worlds that resonate deeply with their audiences. Their creativity has fuelled my own passion for scriptwriting, showing me the power of bold, character-driven narratives. Their work has taught me that great storytelling isn’t just about entertainment; it’s also about crafting worlds that feel alive and characters that leave a lasting impact.

What is my greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is definitely travelling. I love exploring new places! I tend to spend money on hotels, transport, and memorable experiences like concerts, the theatre, and restaurants. However, I always find that the experience is always worth the expense.

On what occasion would I lie?

To protect someone or because I don’t want to hurt their feelings. I dislike lying, though; it makes me feel sick, and I always prefer to tell the truth. If I ever do lie, it’s usually to soften a difficult truth rather than to deceive. I’d rather be honest and face whatever comes with it than carry the discomfort of knowing I wasn’t completely honest. While I might lie in rare situations to protect someone, I would do it reluctantly and only when I genuinely believe it’s the lesser evil.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

Staring at a blank page and knowing you want to write something, but you can’t find the right words. Struggling with writer’s block and rewriting the same scene over and over again can also be mentally exhausting.

When and where was I the happiest in my work?

I’m the happiest in my work right now because I feel like I have the freedom to be more creative. I also feel better within myself, and I’m much more organised than ever before, which has made me feel more confident about my work.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

How much I overthink! I tend to analyse every little detail and replay conversations in my head. A lot of it comes from wanting to make the ‘right’ choice and avoid mistakes. I overthink so much that I can stress myself out over things that don’t really matter in the long run. I’ve been working on it by reminding myself that I can adapt if things don’t always go as planned.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

When my animated television script, ‘Year of the Dragon’, won Best TV Pilot Screenplay Animation at the New York Screenwriting Awards 2024. This is a story that I first thought of when I was sixteen, and I’ve developed it a lot since then. I finally got the opportunity, while studying for my master’s at Falmouth University, to write the first two episodes. Year of the Dragon has been a passion project of mine for a long time, and I was so honoured that it was recognised at the New York Screenwriting Awards.

Where would I most like to live?

Canada or Japan are two places that have always stood out to me, and I’d love to live in either one. I watch a lot of travel videos, and the more I learn about them, the more eager I am to visit them one day. While both countries are very different, they share a strong sense of culture and creativity, and they have plenty of writing opportunities. Whether it’s being surrounded by Canada’s beautiful landscapes or the cutting-edge animation studios in Japan, I know that living in either place would fuel my passion for storytelling and exploration.

What is my most treasured possession?

My scripts are my most treasured possession because they are a record of my journey as a writer. Some are more polished than others, while others are messier first drafts, but they all matter. It’s helpful for me to see how I could’ve improved a story, and they keep me motivated to keep writing.

What is my most marked characteristic?
My determination. When I set my mind on something, I don’t easily give up. I push myself to keep going even when things get tough or progress feels slow. It’s not about reaching a perfect end goal but continuing to move forward no matter how challenging it might seem.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

I feel most inspired when I go to the Liverpool Empire Theatre because I love watching the stories come to life on stage. It helps me to see the potential in my own scripts and has made me consider the possibility of writing for plays and musicals.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

Wagamama’s is definitely my favourite. The food is always great, the atmosphere feels inviting and I love the variety of the menu. It holds even more meaning to me because it’s where my fiancée and I had our first date. Beyond the great food and drink, it’s a place that will always be special to me because of the memories we had there.

What books influenced my life and how?

‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne has definitely influenced my life because it introduced me to the concept of the Law of Attraction. This has completely shifted how I view the world and how I approach my goals. It made me realise that by focusing on positive thoughts and visualising success, I can attract opportunities, people, and experiences that I want into my life.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

Anything by Britney Spears because her music is incredibly nostalgic for me. Her songs bring me back to simpler times, and they lift my spirits, no matter the situation. What’s also special about Britney’s music is how it’s been with me through different phases of my life. From singing karaoke with my friends to singing them out loud while driving, her music just makes me happy.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Elle Woods from Legally Blonde because she defied the stereotypes about what it means to be feminine and strong. She embraces her femininity without allowing it to define her limitations. Elle showed me that being interested in traditionally “feminine” things doesn’t mean you’re not capable of great intellectual and emotional strength. She doesn’t change herself to fit in; she carves her own path and shows that femininity and intelligence are not mutually exclusive.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

Anyone who is authentically themselves no matter what others think is a hero or heroine to me. Princess Diana is a hero of mine because she defied the expectations placed on her as a member of the royal family. She showed that you can be kind, compassionate, and human in a world that often demands perfection. Diana also didn’t conform to the typical image of a royal figure and gave her heart to causes that truly mattered to her. Despite public scrutiny, she stayed true to herself and used her position to bring attention to issues she cared about.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

The Usual Suspects. If I could go back and watch that movie for the first time, I would. I love the intricate storytelling and the unforgettable twist. The film’s structure keeps you guessing and fully immersed in the mystery.

What role do stories play in my life and work?

Stories are a significant part of my life and work. From a young age, stories have always captivated me by offering a sense of escapism. Writing stories has allowed me to convey deep emotions and tackle important themes. They’ve also helped me to make sense of the world, express myself and grow personally and professionally. Whenever I write a new story, I learn more about topics that I haven’t explored before, and I push the boundaries of what I can imagine.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
It means that you have the power to shape your own narrative. It’s up to you to define the direction that your life takes. If you have a dream, then it’s not about wishing for it to come true; it’s about actively choosing to take the necessary steps to make it happen.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

Close family members, my fiancée, and my friends. They’ve all been supportive of me in different ways and have encouraged me to pursue my passion. Their belief in me, whether it’s through advice, motivation or just being there when I need them, makes all the difference in my life and work.

Which people or companies would I like to work with?

One day I’d absolutely love to workfor Cartoon Network. When I was going through difficult times when I was younger, that channel brought me a lot of joy, and I’m sure that getting to work with them would be amazing!

What project am I looking forward to working on?

I’m currently looking forward to developing my murder mystery script featuring demons, angels and a grim reaper. It’s been a tough project to work on so far, but I’m determined to continue with it and eventually complete the first episode!

Where can you see me or my work?
You can see my work on my website at https://tashastales.wixsite.com/tashastales. I create blog posts discussing writing advice and script analysis. You can also view extracts of my past and current scripts.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

It means that if you’re truly passionate about something, that passion doesn’t just fade over time or with age. It stays with you, regardless of external circumstances or the stage of life that you’re in. Passion motivates you and can always guide you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?

I recently metGabbie Clark (@gabbieclarkvocalist), a vocalist, at The National Wedding Show. She’s very talented and was lovely to talk to 😊.

How can you contact me?

Website:https://tashastales.wixsite.com/tashastales

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-langridge-thorpe-4746b7181

Instagram: @natashamariathorpe

sart1@gmail.com