My profile

Biography

I am the Director of the Manchester Children’s Book Festival, a project that has launched a number of creative outreach projects and that hosts author events all year round. 

I have a particular interest in making books, especially poetry, accessible to children who might not ordinarily access ‘literature’ events; Literacy by stealth …  

I am also interested in YA fiction, which I think has the capacity to ‘speak’ to young people in ways that promotes discussion about issues that otherwise can be ignored. 

I am involved in running Manchester Met’s ‘Writing & Talking Saturday Club’, an initiative that allows young people aged between 13-16 to meet up with like-minded friends as well as other writers at different stages in their careers.    

Words of wisdom

Treat your time here as a student at Manchester Met as an internship. Your course is more than just what you do in the classroom.  There are plenty of opportunities to be had.  Look out for them and get involved.   

Academic and professional qualifications

BA Hons English Studies

MA Creative Writing

Personal website address

http://www.mcbf.org.uk

Teaching

Why do I teach?

Having come into education quite late in my own career, I want to communicate my own passion for reading and creative writing and to tell young people that anything is possible. 

How I’ll teach you

Students who are interested in getting involved in working on any of my projects can apply to become an ambassador.  Experience isn’t needed, you will learn on the job.  All I require is that you are enthusiastic and want to communicate your own passion to young people. 

If you are working on a curriculum-based unit that requires you to deliver a project that you think might be relevant to any of my projects, by all means get in touch.