The bit that's all about me
I write short fiction for adults whilst studying Creative Writing (MA) at the University of Chichester. I'm also an Editorial Intern for the University's short story forum, THRESHOLDS. Before this, I worked in the advertising and PR industry for seven years as a copywriter - writing for an immense collection of design and ad. agencies. 

Where you may have seen my work: Virgin Megastores (back in the day), American Express magazines, Atari games' boxes, the Dell website, in bars (for Gordon's Gin), on the radio (for Hertz), the Microsoft websites, and on Virgin Atlantic flights.

The 'special interests' bit: I like to learn new things. So I take part in weekly sewing classes, I go to writing workshops when I can, I've just become a licensed teacher for over 19s, I'm trying to learn a little Finnish (kaksi oloutta ota), and I once trained as a cowgirl in deepest New Mexico. The rest of my time is spent on horseback, on the beach with a warm cup of coffee, writing short stories (and reading plenty too), or roller-skating badly.



Writing life

THRESHOLDS, Online
Editorial Intern (voluntary) October 2011 - present
Editorial work for this International Short Story Forum - run by the University of Chichester. Work includes updating resources, general admin and copy editing.

Writers Can't Draw, Brighton
Freelance Copywriter (full time, self-employed) October 2005 - September 2011
Writing, editing, proofing, conceptualising, and PR, with various agencies in London, Kent and Brighton. Ranging from full web overhauls, emails, online campaigns and SEO, to script writing for radio and video, features, press releases and all kinds of print advertising. Clients included American Express, Dell, Gordon's Gin, Microsoft, Nectar, Nokia, Sony, and Thompson. And lots of smaller clients too.

Start Creative Branding and Advertising Agency, Soho, London
Copywriter (full time) August 2004 - October 2005
Writing for websites, email, banners, press, poster, direct mail, radio, magazine and internal and external comms. Long and short copy, conceptualising, proofreading and editing. Clients included the Virgin Group, Atari, Co-op, Hertz, Royal Mail and Shelter.

Cunning Stunts PR Stunt Agency, Farringdon, London
Creative (paid placement) June 2003
Working on business stunt ideas for clients, including Febreze, Ann Summers, Levitra (Brazil), Discovery Channel and Top Shop.

Leonardo's Advertising Agency, Kensington, London
Copywriter (paid placement) March 2003
Working as part of a creative team. Advertising campaign ideas for clients, including Shelter and Holiday Inn, work included radio ad direction.

Impact Recruitment Advertising Agency, Oxford
Maternity cover freelance graphic design August - September 2002
Graphic designer and proofreader for newspaper recruitment advertising.

Recognition

D&AD Student Awards 2003 Commended: TFL radio scripts.
Red Cell Shelf Award 2004 Nominated, for advertising book.


Education and qualifications

University of Chichester, West Sussex - 2011 to 2012
Studying for MA in Creative Writing.

Sussex Downs College Lewes, East Sussex - 2011
BTEC Level 3 Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS).

Open University Distance learning - 2009 to 2010
OU Level 2 Creative Writing (A215).

Buckinghamshire Chilterns University High Wycombe, Bucks - 2001 to 2004
BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Advertising - copywriting.

De Monfort University Lincoln, Lincs. - 2000 to 2001
BTEC Foundation in Art and Design - graphic design.

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Alford, Lincs. - 1993 to 2000
10 GCSEs (grades A-C); A-Levels: English Literature, Art and Design, Psychology.

 

Other

Pattern Cutting (clothing: design and make), July 2009 to present
Dressmakers' course, May/June 2009
Level One Cowgirl, October 2007
Travel Writing with Peter Carty, September 2007
Feature Writing for Journalism with NUJ, January 2006
Volunteer at Crisis Open Christmas homeless shelter in London Arena, December 2005