About Me
I’m not sure what to say about myself. I hope my writing is more interesting than I am, but in case you’re curious, here are a handful of facts about me.
Writing
My career in writing, to be frank, has not been as productive as I hoped – the light at the end of the tunnel has more often than not been a train approaching. That’s partly because I work quite slowly and empathise with the artist Arshile Gorky, who is reported to have said that his paintings were never finished, he just stopped working on them. You can read extracts from my first two books elsewhere on this site, and subscribers to the Writing Idol newsletter receive one of the free stories shown below. If you have comments or questions, you can get in touch via the contact form on this website or the Writing Idol Facebook page.
Teaching
I’ve spent most of my working life as a teacher and manager of adult education, employed by local councils, charities and other organisations, and lately as a mental health worker. I’ve also set up and managed a small social enterprise, and can safely say that teaching is a lot more fun than management. As well as teaching English, Maths and Creative Writing, both online and in traditional classes, I’ve devised and delivered courses on behalf of local charities and community groups. Before entering adult learning I worked in the travel trade, the printing industry and as a care assistant.
Studying
In between working and writing, I’ve studied for a B.A. in English Literature, an M.A. in Creative Writing, a postgraduate teaching qualification, and a further qualification in teaching English to adults. I’m still proud to say that I was the first member of my family ever to enter a university, in the days when most university students came from a very different world. Now I come to think of it, the publishing industry is still much the same. Partly to get away from what sometimes seemed the pointlessness of it, I applied to be an exchange student and spent a year at Washington University in St Louis.
Relaxing
My main form of relaxation is running, which combines fresh air and rhythmic activity with a mild degree of masochism. I’m also a self-taught tenor saxophone player, known more for enthusiasm than technical ability, and have played in various pub bands for a number of years. My other main interest is bird-watching. I’m not obsessed enough to be a twitcher, but if I spot a jay or merganser while running round the local lake, or an eider duck off the Northumberland coast, I get a big kick. I also play poker, which has taught me the valuable life lesson that you can play your hand exactly right, and still be kicked up the backside.
Sign up for the Writing Idol newsletter!
The Writing Idol newsletter includes interviews, occasional free stories, extracts from my work in progress and other exclusive content. It only comes out once a month, and it’s easy to unsubscribe. New subscribers receive a free copy of one of the stories shown below. Choose which one you’d like to read and click on the cover to sign up now.
Who’s a lad to trust, when even his best friend has his own agenda?
Colin is terrified of having his hair cut, especially at Butcher Barnet’s. He’d much rather go with his best mate, Dezzie, to the Merrie England Amusement Park. Luckily for Colin, Dezzie comes up with a foolproof plan…
The Merrie England Conspiracy is a comedy about friendship, trust, betrayal… and local politics.
Love, betrayal and a beautiful carrot. What’s been going on in the garden?
Morty is worried. It’s hibernation time, and this year he has to face it alone. Without food to sustain him through the winter, Morty’s future is looking bleak. But he hasn’t lived to a ripe old age without having a trick or two up his sleeve…
Talking Tortoise is a dark comedy about the struggle for love and survival.