Who am I?
I’m a writer, poet and teacher based in Leeds.
I spend much of my week working from home or in schools, libraries and other venues within Yorkshire. But as Leeds is a city with great travel connections, there aren’t many parts of the country I can’t get to and back within the day.
I travel by train, bus and taxi. This suits me. I have time to write, to read and to observe the world.
What do I do?
I write poetry mostly, though I’ve had stories, memoirs and, as a journalist, many articles published in newspapers and magazines.
I have a huge amount of expertise in running writing workshops. This is solidly supported by my original training as a teacher and subsequently working in inner-city high schools for many years.
I’m a literary host working at many festivals across the country, getting the best out of writers whom I interview at events.
I have also edited many collections of young people’s writing as well as adult work with my most recent being ‘Fourteen Festive Sonnets’ for the excellent Candlestick Press.
