I write accessible stories that challenge perceptions of the world and therefore I’d say my writing fits somewhere in the field of the Postmodern. Liber Mundi (My first novel - due out in Autumn) might be considered a cross between the television programme Skins and something by Neil Gaiman. My short stories probably have generally focussed more on realism although I try to show the novelty within the everyday. In relation to short stories, my current focus is on microfiction (around 500 words) which I’ve found translate really well into workshop exercises. My current work part of my research towards PhD in Creative Writing and Art and blurs the line between fiction and reality. It’s being documented online through a number of blogs and can be seen at www.nothingisntreal.blogspot.com, www.everythingisntreal.blogspot.com, www.everythingisntfiction.blogspot.com. This project combines creative writing, video and photography and live events and I would definitely be interested in integrating an interdisciplinary approach into workshops. In 2005 I was commissioned by the Arts Council through Harrogate theatre to produce a short play and novella aimed at targeting reluctant readers between 11 and 13 years old. This play was then produced in around 6 libraries across North Yorkshire.I have been delivering Creative Writing workshops for around five years and am currently employed by The University of Bradford and The Open University to teach on their Creative Writing programmes. I also work for Craven College in Skipton and have run workshops for Harrogate Theatre and Harewood House near Leeds. I have led workshops on everything from writing short stories and novels, to writing for TV, radio, and theatre. I have also led a series of workshops aimed at developing plays with younger children. I have a PGCE in Post-compulsory Education from the University of Huddersfield and am a member of the Institute for Learning and the Higher Education Academy.

Workshops
I can offer individual (1.5 - 2 hour) and series of Masterclasses with Sixth formers to deal specifically with developing their prose writing skills possibly in preparation for exams or simply as an extra-curricular activity. (Obviously, writing isn’t a skill you develop overnight and workshops are more effective over longer periods of time. I would be therefore be happy to negotiate a fee for a series of workshops). I would be happy working with KS4 + Drama students with respect to developing plays and KS4 + Media students with respect to developing film scripts.
I would be happy giving readings to full assemblies and smaller secondary groups.

Awards
University of Plymouth Creative Writing Prize (2006)
WRHammons.com Creative Writing Prize (2007)