Bestselling authors inspire the next generation of writers at York St John

On Wednesday 14 October, York St John University welcomed bestselling authors Susanna Clarke and Colin Greenland to campus to speak to students during an inspiring creative writing workshop. 

In 2024, Susanna was awarded an honorary degree by York St John in recognition of her contribution to literature. Her debut novel, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, brought together Yorkshire and the Napoleonic Wars in an acclaimed work that was later adapted into a seven-part BBC series. Published in 2004, the novel was followed by Piranesi, which was selected as the 2025 YSJ Big Summer Read, an annual a university-wide shared reading initiative. 

Colin Greenland is an academic and award-winning science fiction author. His novel Take Back Plenty, published in 1990, won both the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the British Science Fiction Association Award. 

The workshop started with an interview led by Dr Adam J Smith, Associate Professor in English Literature, exploring Susanna and Colin’s work, writing process and inspirations. Susanna revealed that she was inspired by the works of Jane Austen, and to a lesser extent, Charles Dickens when writing Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. She highlighted how both authors used their work to critique the society they lived in while celebrating the humanity and goodness of everyday life. 

Similarly, Colin spoke about the joy of writing and how authors can use ideas and influences from other works to meet or challenge readers' expectations. Both authors agreed that reading widely and making connections between different texts are essential to developing as a writer. 

At the end of the first half of the workshop, students had the opportunity to ask questions about the research process, the anxiety of getting the start of a story correct, and asked for advice about pacing. Susanna and Colin’s answers were both helpful and insightful, advising students to not get caught up in researching over writing, and to trust the writing and reading process. As for worrying over getting the opening lines of story right, Colin offered straightforward advice: 

"Don’t worry too much about the beginning, as by the time you write the ending it will have changed, and you’ll have a better idea of how it needs to start to get there." 

After a short break, Professor of Writing and Popular Culture, Rob Edgar led a writing session, giving students the opportunity to share their work directly with Susanna and Colin. Speaking about the value of special opportunities like this one, he said: 

"We are very grateful to Susanna and Colin for working closely with our creative writing and literature students at this workshop. It’s a remarkable opportunity to learn from and especially work with such important authors. These kinds of events inspire and support a group of already fantastic writers." 

Building confidence and overcoming creative blocks 

During the workshop, everyone had the chance to speak to Susanna and Colin one-on-one about their work and ask for advice. The opportunity to discuss their own writing with established authors offered more than just practical advice. It also provided encouragement, fresh perspectives and renewed confidence in their creative work. 

Lowen Frampton-Thorburn, a third-year PhD student, described the experience as an opportunity to gain confidence and inspiration, saying: 

"Susanna gave me such a boost of confidence as a writer and I’ve come away with so many ideas of where to go next." 

Frankie Bury, who studies MA Publishing and Creative Writing part-time, said: 

"A wonderful experience that taught me a lot and broke a long-term creative block so hey, that’s a good sign!" 

Students also highlighted the value of meeting Susanna and Colin in person, sharing their creative ideas and hearing about the authors' own experiences. Students described the conversations as insightful and supportive, with the opportunity to receive individual editorial advice proving particularly valuable. 

Find out more about Creative Writing and Literature courses at York St John.