The writer of The Village Bike on Shakespeare, the first time the national papers reviewed her show and why she loves Dolly Parton

What got you started?

When I was 28, I went to see a play called When You Cure Me, by Jack Thorne, at the Bush [in London], and I had this incredible sense that the play was directly expressing my own feelings. Before that, I'd always written things, but just for fun. I'd never thought about showing anyone my writing, or even about writing a play. But after I saw that show, I started writing my own first play, Fucked. It took me two years.

What was your big breakthrough?

Getting Fucked put on at the Old Red Lion. It went much better than I expected, so the following year we did it again in Edinburgh. Then I started thinking that I really wanted writing to be my job.

What's the biggest myth about playwrights?

That we're all dead. When I was at school, I don't think I realised there were playwrights who were alive and still writing; you just don't register that it's still a new and ongoing art form.

What's the worst thing anyone ever said about you?

I do know what it is, but if I acknowledge that I remember it, it's like giving it power. It's like when people ask models which part of their body they least like, and they always say their toes, because they don't want anybody to notice the parts they really don't like. But I do read all my reviews. When my play Eigengrau was on at the Bush, it was the first time I'd had the national papers in. I felt as though I'd read a poem out at school, and all the boys in the year above were laughing at me and talking behind my back.

What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My friend Matt Morrison, who teaches creative writing and is also a playwright, once said something like, "You can't predict what people are going to like: no matter how bad it is, there's always going to be one person who likes it. What you have to do is find that one person." I felt quite reassured by that.

Is there a play you wish you'd written yourself?

King Lear. If you could write like Shakespeare, it would be like being able to sing like Christina Aguilera.

Which artists do you most admire?

Dolly Parton. I just think she doesn't give a shit.

What one song would work as the soundtrack to your life?

Could I have the Dynasty theme tune?

Which artwork would you like to own?

John William Waterhouse's painting of The Lady of Shalott. I wouldn't mind floating around in a boat with long red hair.

What's your definition of success?

Ask me in 10 years.

In short

Born: Reading, 1978.

Career: Plays include Fucked, first performed at the Old Red Lion, London, in 2008; Eigengrau for the Bush in 2010; The Village Bike, seen at the Royal Court in 2011, and now playing at Sheffield theatres; and The Sound of Heavy Rain. Also writes for the TV series Fresh Meat.

High point: "Not having to work as a secretary any more."

Low point: "I haven't had one yet."