How the creator of 'Peaky Blinders' uses one word to unlock new worlds

Picture this: A working-class kid from Birmingham, youngest of 7, no silver spoon in sight. Fast forward, and he's the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, and the next Star Wars screenplay…

How does Steven Knight conjure such diverse stories? Here’s one method he uses that’s laughably simple:

1. Google a topic you're curious about
2. Toss in a random word

For example:

• New York 1840s watermelons
• Birmingham 1920s horses
• Japan 15th century tax evasion

Suddenly, you're not just reading facts. You're stumbling into drama. Characters emerge. Conflicts simmer. Quirky details jump out.

One word becomes a back door to a library of untold tales. Each search term is a key, unlocking rooms few have explored. Some will be empty, but others…

Intrigued? Have a listen to Steven Knight’s recent appearance on Desert Island Discs (featuring music from Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald and many more). It’s a delight.

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Steven Knight, writer

Steven Knight, writer, shares the soundtrack of his life with Lauren Laverne.

BBC

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some oddball searches calling my name...