My progression to creative writing teaching has been through a creative industries route. I have had extensive experience of event management in the publishing industry and this developed into a desire to teach creative writing in the higher education sector.
In January 2020 I joined the creative writing department at York St John University, after being a visiting lecturer for five years. I now teach both Creative Writing and Publishing across both undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Beforehand, I studied English Literature and Language, graduating from the University College of Ripon and York St John in 1999. I then spent ten years in the book retail industry, focusing on event management. In 2010, I became a literature and creative writing tutor in the lifelong learning sector as well as undertaking an MA in Literature, followed by a PhD, at York St John University.
For my PhD I explored the depiction of landscapes in the work of China Miéville, both real and conceptual, and how Miéville uses the motif of the monster to deliver social commentary.
My principal role is as lead tutor for the MA in Publishing and I teach on all of the modules associated with that programme. I am also currently module director for the second year undergraduate module Working with Words: Publishing and Performance, overseeing the students' work on the Beyond the Walls Creative Writing anthology and Student Showcase event.
I also regularly teach on the undergraduate creative writing programme modules. My focus is on work-related experiential learning within the creative writing programme, as well also teaching aspects of genre fiction and aesthetics. I also contribute to teaching on the MA Creative Writing as tutor on the module Writing Speculative Fiction.
I also supervise third year and MA creative writing projects, particular those focused around my research interests of publishing and genre fictions, especially science fiction, fantasy, weird fiction and body horror.
I also supervise MFA and PhD students in creative writing and publishing studies.
My PhD research was on the work of British science fiction and fantasy author China Miéville, focusing upon the use of monsters and conceptual landscapes as a means of social commentary. The thesis is split into two distinct sections: an evaluation of Miéville's work within the conceptual landscapes of genre fiction, urban environments and socio-political landscapes; and then a bestiary depicting Miéville's monstrous creations and exploring how they are physical manifestations of these three conceptual landscapes.
As part of my PhD development I have presented at a number of conferences, not only on Miéville but also other aspects of genre fiction, literature and creative writing. My research interests have expanded to include contemporary literary theories (such as posthumanism and psychogeography) and contemporary interpretations of genre resulting in the blurring and challenging of genre boundaries.
I am also interested in research around the creative industries and publishing, especially how creative industries can be used in a pedagogical capacity. I am also interested in publishing as an academic subject and the links between the professional industry and critical and theoretical perspectives. I am particularly interested in the role of micropresses and small publishers and their place within the industry and cultural impact.
I am keen to work with students on projects focused on my interest of the contemporary publishing industry, book cultures and the history of publishing. I am also interested in research projects focused on genre fiction, especially speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, weird fiction and horror. I supervise both critical and creative practice PhDs.
Recent publications
It is always important to me to highlight the role creative writing can play in a variety of professional practices, including enterprise. It is my aim to encourage students to try writing in genres or forms they have never even considered before and have a greater understanding of creative writing as a professional and vocational pathway.
- Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA).
- Work-related Experiential Learning (WREL) specialist for Creative Writing.
- I am currently the Learning and Training Lead for the School of Humanities.
- I have been a member of both the Ethics and Quality panels for the School of Humanities.
- York Literature Festival Board of Trustees, 2010-present. I am currently Chair of the Board of Trustees.
- Editorial work for Dreamcatcher Magazine and Beyond the Walls Creative writing anthology.
- Literary Event management since 2000. I have been Director and Programmer for York Literature Festival and the Mexborough Poetry Festival.
I also facilitate the following student-led publications and creative projects:
- Beyond the Walls: New Writing from York St John University. 2020-present. Currently published through Valley Press.
- York Literary Review. 2021-presnt. Currently published through Valley Press.
- YSJ Folklore Anthology. 2024-presnt. Privately published.
Where Ideas Grow: York St John Creative Writing blog. 2021-present. Online publication.
