I write essays, poetry, short fiction and work that sits between forms. My writing has appeared in literary journals including Hotel, The Stinging Fly, Tolka and The Letters Page, and in the anthology The Art of Being Dangerous: Exploring Women and Danger Through Creative Expression (Leuven University Press, 2021). My poetry and photography pamphlet Deeryard is out in May 2024 with Death of Workers Whilst Building Skyscrapers.
For many years I have devised, organised and presented literary events and projects in Manchester. I am founding editor of UK creative nonfiction journal and reading series The Real Story. My previous ACE-funded writing projects included Rainy City Stories, an innovative digital writing map, and the Blog North Awards. I was part of the team that delivered Manchester’s successful bid for UNESCO City of Literature status. I frequently chair high-profile author events for Manchester Literature Festival and host a monthly feminist book club at The House of Books and Friends.
Before working at the University I was a journalist with a career spanning daily newspaper reporting in my native New England, a stint on the AP National Desk in New York, working at BBC Woman’s Hour, editing magazines, reviewing restaurants, presenting a writing podcast and freelance arts writing.
Research interests
Creative nonfiction, longform journalism, narrative writing, the lyric essay, experimental nonfiction, autofiction, prose poetry and hybrid writing
Writing Modules I Lead/Teach
Journalism Dissertations, Lifestyle Journalism
I also contribute to the postgraduate Digital Journalism module