Leesa Harker, playwright, author, Open University student, and mother, has had tremendous success over the past twelve months with her books and her play 51 Shades of Maggie, which is currently touring the UK and has recently triumphed in Australia. I caught up with Leesa to ask her a couple of questions.

You have had phenomenal success over the last twelve months-What has been your favourite highlight?

There have been many! I’ve just had my play sell out at The Grand Opera House in Belfast which was amazing. But, I think seeing my book on the shelf in the main bookstores in Belfast City Centre has to be the personal highlight for me. Because it’s something I had dreamt of since I was a child. And I could finally call myself, a writer.

How did you find the adapting of the dialect for the UK/Australian audience?

I didn’t adapt the Australian one myself, the production team and actress did that over there. I’ve never been to Australia! The UK one was actually quite straightforward. I have always been good at ‘doing’ accents. So, I watched Eastenders, then wrote a little (it’s an East-End version for the UK) then watched again the next night and wrote a little. My thoughts in my head were in an East-End accent, so it just flowed from there. That makes me sound like a schizophrenic!

You have started your own theatre production company-what are your plans for this?

Well, I have learned so much in the last year. In particular, don’t sign contracts until you have an agent. So, taking that on board, I decided to produce the next Maggie Muff play myself. I want to be in control of my own creativity – and profit. I have a business background – so I thought – why not! I’m not one to be afraid of taking a risk or grabbing an opportunity. I’m very excited!

Adele De Silva plays the lead in the UK adaptation-did she instantly like the script?

Yes! She had her audition in Belfast and she really took on the role of Maggie right away. She ‘got’ it. I’m looking forward to seeing her on stage as Maggie in September.

Who inspires you-and why?

Quite a few actually! Writers wise – I have always been a Marian Keyes fan – in fact, she is the one who inspired me to write. Her conversational style and real characters makes it look easy! (It’s not.) I really admire strong female writers – I love Kay Mellor. She writes for TV – I remember watching Band of Gold on TV and thinking – I want to do this. I also love Ruth Jones. I think writing for TV is a male-dominated environment, so that’s why I especially admire female TV writers.

What is your favourite line from 51 shades of Maggie?

There’s quite a few belly-laugh moments. But one of my favourites is when Mr Big invites Maggie for dinner…and it’s oysters. Maggie has never had oysters before – she’s used to dinner dates at KFC. But she gets drunk and eats a load of them. Then, Mr Big takes her to the bedroom. She is on the bed on all-fours when he comes closer to admire her bottom. She says, ‘See if I do an oyster fart now…he’s gonna end up with his eye-brows singed…and a squint!’

Has your studying with the Open University helped your writing?

Definitely. The course materials were great…mostly. But more importantly, reading other students work and seeing what they did right, and wrong helped me. Aside from that, my Creative Writing tutor was the one who told me that I had a gift for writing comedy and not to shy away from that. I had been worried that other students in my group were writing about death and cryptic poetry and here I was writing about a slimming class. So, I suppose, the Open University gave me the confidence to dip my toe in to comedy and here I am!

What advice would you give budding playwrights/authors?

I think there are a lot of talented people who can’t get the break. I was lucky to get my break in a unique way. I think you just have to keep writing and putting your work out there. Join Twitter. There are lots of authors/agents on there who are a great support and you can learn who is doing what etc. Look at authors who write like you and find out who their agent is. If you are interested in writing for TV, The BBC Writers Room website is a must. Without sounding cheesey…believe in yourself!

How did the Australian connection/adaptation come about?

The production company who are producing Mrs Brown’s Boys in Australia got in touch with my production company here. There have been a lot of comments about Maggie Muff being the new Mrs Brown – which is flattering…and terrifying! And within weeks, they had booked the tour. It all happens very fast.

In your opinion what is the most important part of the writing process?

For me, it’s character. Things like structure, technique, story can all be taught and fiddled with, edited etc. But you have to have a great character at the centre of any story, whether it’s for a novel, play or TV. I think if you have the character, the rest will come.

You have two young daughters-what do they think of mum’s success?

My 3 year old doesn’t understand really. But the 5 year old does. She comes to some book signings and puts the stickers saying ‘Signed by the Author’ on the books. She knows I write books and plays about Maggie Muff – but that’s the extent of her knowledge on that! The material is not suitable for children! But she sees me in the papers and on the radio and is delighted.

What is your favourite book/author?

I read a lot. And have lots of favourites. I can literally go from Stephen King to Harry Potter to biographies. I always loved the book (and film) Bridget Jones’ Diary. I think Helen Fielding did something new at the time – it was beyond chick lit. I am a big Marian Keyes fan too. Recently, I raved about Jojo Moyes book ‘Me Before You’ and am currently reading ‘Gone Girl’ which is also fab. This is the question I dread! I wasn’t into ‘Little Women’ or things like that as a child – I read ‘Sweet Valley High’ and Stephen King novels!