Inspiring creativity, positivity and an adventurous spirit. Teacher, writer and blogger.
When you’re in the throes of the school term it’s easy to think about the next holiday. To look forward with excitement to that dreamlike last ringing of the bell signalling the time to pack up and go home. Of course, that’s normal. Teaching is a hard job. It’s relentless and frustrating. It’s easy to …
My favourite part of teaching English has always been creative writing. I suppose that's no surprise considering I am a writer myself. Last week (November 2019) I was asked to deliver a creative writing workshop for a school in Kent. It's something I'd thought about doing for a while, so when they asked, I …
Continue reading "Inspire your students with a creative writing workshop"
What’s the difference between travel and a holiday? I know, I've released a new book and sharing abstract question like that – bear with me, it will make sense. For me, it’s very simple: When you’re on holiday, you’re in a place that exists just for you to enjoy yourself. I’m thinking of luxurious holiday …
Continue reading "What’s the difference between travel and a holiday? HONG KONG is out now"
Picture the scene, you're packing for your holiday. Clothes adorn every surface of the bedroom in various piles - what if I go somewhere that requires shoes? Will they have an iron there? (I never iron anything anyway, so why I'd worry this I'm not sure.) Then, as you finally slide the zip on the …
Continue reading "My summer holiday reading recommendations"
“Well, it’s not going to be as difficult as teaching full time is it?” That’s what you’re thinking, isn’t it? I knew it, and you’re right. I taught full time for five years and I know exactly what the challenges are. After those five years, I felt burned out. So in January 2018, I decided …
One of the best things about publishing my novel in the last few months has been talking to people about it. As an independent author, I don't want that to stop there, I want to get to know you and what you like about my stories. In this short video, I start by introducing myself. …
I'm feeling very fortunate at the moment. A year ago I was working full time, counting down the days until the next school holiday and writing in every other moment available. Right now I'm on the plane on the way to Budapest for a few days, my first book is out and selling some copies …
Continue reading "Three books that inspired me to write a novel"
Always relevant when another group of students get towards the end of their exams…
This week, we secondary school teachers, are saying goodbye to another group of students.
We’ll attempt to say something poignant in the final lesson, maybe pose for photographs – then they’ll be gone, walking out into the sunlight, towards the school gates, as they have a thousand times over the last five years.
From the classroom window, we’ll watch them, signing each other’s shirts and laughing as they walk away from their time in compulsory education. One or two may stop and look back, many won’t – change can only really be seen in hindsight.
Some people go missing, others choose not to come back. My debut novel, KATHMANDU, is out now. Tap here to start reading.
Behind them is a life lived, and in front, the future. A future where we hope the things we taught, the discussions we’ve had and the example we’ve set will help them find success…
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On December the 3rd 2017 I wrote this in my journal: I’m excited to start writing something – but I have no clue where and how to actually start writing! I'm going to get some big bits of paper and do some planning so that I have a general direction, then pick bits I like …
Continue reading "The road from reluctant writer to publishing my first novel"
As a new teacher, you'll be looking back over the last year and feel as though you've been through a whirlwind. You've learned so much, you've come so far, but you may still feel like there's a mountain to climb. I asked the teacher community on Twitter, "what piece of advice do you wish you …
