Creative writing can be joyful, radical and transformative—if it’s taught well.
This page brings together my latest thinking, practical strategies, and reflective insights on how to teach creative writing mindfully and meaningfully. From lesson design and feedback to decolonising the classroom and harnessing “uncreative” writing techniques, each article offers accessible, classroom-tested approaches drawn from my research and experience. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, you’ll find ideas here to reinvigorate your practice and empower your students as writers.
on FEEDBACK
6 Ways to Design Effective Creative Writing Lessons
I’ve written this blog to share some of the key insights from a recent seminar I delivered for students on the MA in Creative Writing and Education at Goldsmiths—and for anyone interested in designing more mindful, engaging creative writing lessons. Drawing on the CASTERS framework, James Nottingham’s “Learning Pit,” and ideas around publishing, reflection, and inclusive practice, the session offered practical strategies for teaching writing with presence, purpose, and care. Whether you’re a teacher, writer, or facilitator, this blog offers inspiration and guidance for creating lessons that challenge, connect, and empower. Find out more and join the conversation.
techniques and guides
📎 CUT + COPY + TEACH: 5 Ways Uncreative Writing Will Turbocharge Your Teaching
As a writer and educator, I’ve long been fascinated by how creativity works in the classroom. In this blog, I explore Uncreative Writing, a radical teaching approach developed by Dr Cath Clover. Drawing on her powerful workshop at Goldsmiths, I show how copying, remixing, and reframing existing texts can spark critical thinking, accessibility, and genuine creative joy. Whether you’re teaching English, media, or any subject, this inclusive method helps students find their voice through found words.
Five Ways to Decolonise the Teaching of Creative Writing
In April 2025, I had the joy of welcoming back Carinya Sharples—a former student of mine from the MA in Creative Writing and Education I lead at Goldsmiths—for an unforgettable session on Decolonising Creative Writing Pedagogies. Carinya held the space with grace, rigour and radical care, sparking vital conversations about power, voice, and language. In this blog, I share five key strategies that emerged from her talk and my own experience—practical, powerful ways to rethink how we teach creative writing. If you’re ready to challenge norms and embrace liberatory practice, come explore more with me by reading the blog.
Of Note: Four Ways Taking Notes have Enriched My Life
Notes have helped me remember; they’re my safe space; they’re therapeutic; and they’ve liberated my imagination
research and commentary
A Century of Teaching Creative Writing in Schools: the Newbolt Report and teaching creative writing
Newbolt strongly advocates imaginative ways of teaching writing, championing self-expression above rote-learning.
The British Library, research and creative writing
This blog post explores how creative writing can be used to help people engage with the British Library and its collection. It shows how students on the MA Creative Writing and Education led members of the general public through the British Library, inviting them to respond creatively to key elements of its archive and exhibitions.
Freeing Creative Voice – An Anthology
How educators, creatives, and learners can liberate and uplift their voices through writing, teaching, investigating, and intentional everyday living.