Q&A with Layla McCay – Author Interview

We’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive Q&A with Layla McCay, the brilliant mind behind Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling. In this candid and thought-provoking interview, Layla opens up about the inspiration behind her work, and the powerful themes that shaped her writing. As a respected voice in both the LGBTQ+ and public health communities, her perspective offers a unique and compelling lens on leadership, identity, and change.

From navigating challenges in the workplace to amplifying unheard voices, Layla’s insights are as honest as they are inspiring. Whether you’re already a fan of her work or just discovering her for the first time, this interview offers a rare glimpse into the heart and mind of a writer who’s reshaping the conversation around inclusion and empowerment.

About The Author

Tell us more about you

I grew up in Scotland, and I’ve lived in Spain, Japan and the US; I’m currently in London. 

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

A solar-powered and fully-stocked e-reader, waterproof writing supplies, and a water filtration system.

Who is your biggest role model?

My wife.

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

My longstanding favourite from childhood to the present day is Ballet Shoes and indeed all the books by Noel Streatfeild. In adulthood, I don’t think I have a single favourite. I write an occasional book blog called Reading Shoes – those in the know will recognise the Streatfeild link. In my annual review of everything I read each year, my most recent favourite was River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure.

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobooks?

I love all three formats. I do a lot of my reading on e-books, thanks to the convenient backlight and ability to access as many books as I need (often I’m reading a few at a time, often on the move). But when I love something I read as an e-book, I like to buy an additional physical copy from a bookshop to have on my shelf. And I particularly love to listen to audiobooks while doing jigsaws – an essential combination

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

I write in my spare time; I work full time in national health policy.

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

For my writing, I use Instagram and I dabble on Threads. For my health policy work, I’m on a few others. 

My social channels are:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

I’ve been writing non-fiction until now, but when I started my first novel, I could immediately see my non-fiction background shaping my approach. Once I came up with the premise and drafted a first chapter, I paused to briefly plan out every chapter in a big MS Word table. 

Where do you like to write?

Since I have a full-time job, I need to be flexible so I can seize every opportunity to write. Sometimes I get up very early and write in bed; sometimes I write on the train, and when I manage a longer stretch at the weekends, I often curl up on the sofa with my laptop, or occasionally actually sit at my desk.

What do you like most about writing?

I like the privilege of telling a story in a way that enables people to think about things in a different way.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Work commitments, and also my enthusiasm for film, theatre, reading and hiking.

What genres do you like to write and why?

I think I’m still figuring that out. All my books so far have been in different genres.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

I know some people like to go with the flow when they’re writing, and everyone has their own process. But once you come up with an idea, if you write out a basic chapter plan before you start, it doesn’t mean you can’t change it if you get new ideas… but it does save you from having to stare at a blank page. 

Showcase your books!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

I wrote my first book with a co-author, and it’s aimed at urban design and planning professionals; it’s called Restorative Cities: Urban design for mental health and wellbeing by Jenny Roe and Layla McCay (2021). I’m proud of this book because it was the first of its kind, and now it’s being used in universities and urban professional practice in countries all over the world to make a positive difference to population mental health. Even though it’s quite academic, it was my entry into being an author.

I also love my next book, Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling: How LGBTQ+ people can thrive and succeed at work (2024). It’s about how being LGBTQ+ can affect our careers, and what to do about it. This one is obviously more personal. I interviewed more than forty brilliant LGBTQ+ leaders in different fields and countries and their insights are a big part of the book. I wrote this book because I wanted to read it and found it didn’t exist yet. It makes me proud that I was able to bring something into the world that lots of queer people and managers have told me has been very helpful for them.

My next book is coming out in 2026 and I’m feeling very impatient already. It’s tentatively called The Queer Canon: a guide to LGBTQ+ literature. As a lifetime book lover, and one for whom queer books have personally meant a lot, I’ve had a wonderful time writing it and I can’t wait for you to read it.

How long did Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling take to write?

About a year.

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

The embarrassingly nerdy thrill of spotting my books on bookshelves or seeing photographs or mentions of them on social media, especially when someone says that my book has helped them in some way.

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