Rony Robinson is a prolific writer and BBC radio presenter. He has written over 100 plays, numerous books and he is one of the BBC’s longest serving presenters. As we chatted through the idea of this article it became apparent that I couldn’t limit Rony to being defined as a writer or as a presenter but rather he is both and the common theme is his love of words and language.

For me though, what shone through most was Rony’s generosity of spirit, humility, engaging nature and genuine warmth towards people. Great thought is given to the words he uses – whether it’s for his radio show (presenting daily on BBC Radio Sheffield), his writing or as witnessed in my case, choosing how to answer the questions below. In my attempt to capture who he is I shan’t be able to do full justice to him here but hopefully you can still at least catch a glimpse of him and what he is about.

What’s your story of getting into writing and broadcasting?

From the age of seven I was writing stories. The stories were drawn from what I was reading – things like The Famous Five, adventure stories, stories with professors in. I can’t detect any talent in what I wrote. I loved the writing paraphernalia though, the paper, books and pens… I also remember as a young child, pretending to be a radio station.

What do you love about it?

I think I am me when I am doing it. Curiously enough it’s not me too. I like that you go into a bit of a role – you become very focused. I think I become a version of me that is perhaps more funny and sensitive. And craftier than I am in normal life. The beauty consists in trying to get it accurate.

For example I write for our brilliant community newspaper with only a small readership but I still spend days preparing it, going over it, asking Sally (my partner) to check it. I need to get it right.

What’s hardest about it?

With broadcasting there comes a stage where older people aren’t as interesting to younger people. But I want to remain interesting. I’m still nervous after 32 years! When I start the show on Radio Sheffield every morning at 10am, I’m frightened of not doing it properly. That feeling goes as the show goes on but it’s always there to start. And I’m frightened of being boring.

With writing – I’m not certain what to do till I’ve done it. I like to get up early when I am closer to that dream world. I can be surprised at what comes out. I suppose it’s hard trusting that process sometimes.

How would you sum it up in three words?

“I need it” or “Everyone does it”. I and everyone needs to tell stories? To keep the world off, to get some control of the world, to make sense of things….

Anytime when you thought about giving up?

Sometimes I get a new idea and it’s exciting. But then I start to reflect – is there anything new in it? There’s a T S Eliot quote –

“And so each venture
Is a new beginning, a raid on the inarticulate,
With shabby equipment always deteriorating”

But in answer to the question no – I can’t imagine giving up the writing. Or the talking.

A particular moment of joy/a high?

On the radio, some years ago a bloke rang in, to say his wife had died that morning. Bill was his name. We discussed it on air. I met him and we developed a friendship. When he died his son rang in to the radio show to say he had died. I think of this as being as close as you can get. How much more honoured can you be than that! I have met some lovely famous people but they are generally telling you a story that has already been told.

Sometimes when I have written something I am sure it is going to be a failure…. And then it’s not! That’s a great moment. In the theatre you can tell as the audience go still and silent.

Oh and when I was an English teacher in a huge London comprehensive school I told this girl off for not paying attention to the lesson and obviously reading something more interesting than I was being under her desk. What was it, please? It was my new novel (about life in a London comprehensive school).

An embarrassing moment?

On the radio as well as presenting I am working all the jingles, fades and buttons. Occasionally you get it wrong. The other day at one minute to 11, I played the wrong jingle and everything got thrown. What was one minute felt like hours. And the management were listening – they weren’t impressed.

The humiliation in writing is being rejected. You feel very absurd and ridiculous. It’s a bit like the actor who finds out he is performing only to himself.

Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to/ambitions?

I want to publish the novel I’m working on at the moment. But also I don’t want to finish it!

What are you most proud of?

Proud is the wrong word but I’m glad that I have done what I have done. As a seven year old I needed to use words and now as a 75 year old I need to use words. I think there is something about doing it all because I want the world to be a better place.

Has anyone been a particular inspiration to you?

I wasn’t ridiculed when I was a kid – for my writing or my pretend radio announcing. My dad used to pinch me paper and books to write in. I could make a huge list of supportive people for various projects over the years. I’m aware of a whole lot of people who did what my mum and dad did – encouraged me. And the people I love most, like my mum and dad, are the ones who’ve taken me seriously but not let me get big headed about it all…I hope.

Rony’s recent autobiography Who’s Been Talking? is available to buy here.