TEACHING

I am Professor of Writing Practice and Study at the University of Dundee where I established and direct the MLITT Programme – a postgraduate course that has resulted in the publication of a number of novels and poetry collections and non fiction by students, as well as launching careers for them in arts related enterprises.

The website here lists a range of student achievement, and gives details. 

I also organise “Writers Read” events during the year, which are held in Tonic our local cafe and bar which provides a relaxed and convivial environment for students to meet and chat with established writers and poets and publishers and agents who can give them advice and ideas about their own writing future and approaches.

I work closely with Gail Low, who directs the publishing and book history side of the programme as well as creative non fiction and the essay as a writing form and tool for learning and creative expression. Together we also teach some writing and essaying courses as part of the university’s undergraduate programme in English and Creative Writing and are developing  a PhD in writing and critical studies. In addition, together we edit The Voyage Out Press, a small independent publishing operation that so far has published big international names like nature writer Robert Macfarlane and forensics’ leading lady Dame Professor Sue Black and actor Brian Cox as well as lesser known writers and artists (link) whose careers are just beginning. Our publications are as follows: The Voyage Out – (link). The Four Marys – a play by Eddie Small (Link), Firth – Selected Poems by Jim Stewart,  and Our Silent Teachers – a biography of the study of anatomy and forensic science, conceived by Sue Black in collaboration with Eddie Small and the History department of Anatomy at the University of Dundee – forthcoming – (link)

Note:

  • Occasionally I deliver workshops and teaching at a range of international writing events, festivals and universities. Look out for news on my Events Page
  • EISS, UEA . San Miguel del Allende