Manjeet Mann is a British playwright, screenwriter, and author known for her work that addresses important social and cultural issues, particularly those affecting young people. Mann has a background in both theatre and literature. She gained attention for her play "Flying Solo," which explores themes of identity, belonging, and multiculturalism. Additionally, Mann is recognized for her novel "Run, Rebel," published in 2020, which deals with issues such as domestic violence and empowerment. Her storytelling often centres on underrepresented voices and provides insight into complex societal challenges.
What books are on your bedside table?
I’m someone who flicks between books, often reading around three at any one time, unless a book really takes hold and I devour it in a couple of sittings. That is rare though. So, at the moment I’m enjoying reading They both die at the end by Adam Silva which is a brilliant YA novel about life, love, loss and making each day count. Stand Up Ferran Burke by Steve Camden which is another fabulous YA novel, however this one is in verse. It’s a funny, warm, coming-of-age story. Finally, I’m reading a new translation of Beowulf by Maria Dahvana Headley, which is a new feminist translation of the epic.
Which book or author do you always return to?
I will always read a David Almond, Sarah Crossan and Joseph Coelho book in regard to younger years. Their work is real and raw and very true to contemporary life. They really get to the heart of the matter and teach me how to be authentic in my own work.
In terms of adult literature, Rohinton Mistry and Bernadine Evaristo are my favourite authors, pretty much for the same reasons as the YA authors.
What kind of reader were you as a child?
I remember being a big reader until I got to secondary school. We would go to the library every Saturday. I would sit there for hours reading books and flicking through books until I’d chosen the ten that I could take out. It was my favourite day of the week. I loved the ‘choose your own adventure books’, graphic novels and everything written by Judy Blume and Roald Dahl. I also went through a non-fiction phase and would read lots of history books. When I got into secondary school I don’t remember reading as many books as I really got into acting and started reading lots of scripts. Sometimes TV and film scripts but mainly playscripts. Slowly over my seven years at secondary school I made my way through the complete works of Shakespeare, Brecht, Ibsen, Lorca, Pinter, Wilde…all the greats.
When working on a new project, how do you sift through competing ideas in order to move forward?
I’m often working on more than one project at the same time and I write across mediums (Screen, Stage, Book) so funnily enough, doing more keeps me focused on the task at hand. I mean, nothing keeps you focused and moving forward than a contract and deadlines you have to keep to, so that obviously helps too.
What writing habit do you have that is impossible to shift? (.e.g a particular snack, writing hours, location, caffeine consumption etc)
I have to make sure I leave my house and sit in a café for a couple of hours. I usually start my writing day like this. This is good for two reasons. Firstly, writing can get really lonely and spending hours alone at home every day isn’t good for anyone, so, it’s really important to have contact with other humans. Secondly, I find if I start writing in a café first thing and give myself a target to reach (usually 1000-2000 words in the next couple of hours) it helps me focus and then when I come home I’m already primed and ready to continue writing for another couple of hours. I find that if I try and write at home first thing I just get sleepy and end up watching Netflix or something!
The international literature festival berlin (ilb) has become essential to Berlin’s literary calendar. What do you connect with the city?
I have never been to Berlin, but I do weirdly feel as though I have a soul connection to it. I know that it’s a very arty city, both visual and theatrical so it feels like a place I’ll connect with instantly. I can’t wait to visit! I’m so grateful to have been invited.
