Creative ID: 640
Kapiti Coast
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths):
I am a writing coach and author of fiction and non-fiction. I have had published two books for adults, a short-story collection, a novel, and a co-authored children’s picture book, which was published in 2021. As a writing coach, I offer process-focused support and guidance to writers of all ages and at every stage of a writing project, from concept to completion. I also offer group workshops and facilitate writing programmes in libraries and schools. I consider it an honour to be invited into another artist’s creative process, to help create community between writers, and to witness and share in the magic, fun, and healing that can happen through the medium of creative writing.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with:
I have an MA in creative writing (Concordia University, 2010), I have professionally published books for children and adults, and I have published articles, stories, and essays in various publications in Canada, where I am from. I have been nominated for major writing awards, won scholarships and grants to support my work, conducted international research trips, presented at international writers’ festivals, and taught creative writing programmes for a range of ages and in many different contexts.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes:
I have extensive experience working with young people and teaching creative writing. In recent years, I was writer-in-residence at a local library, where I offered one-on-one writing coaching sessions to authors of all ages, I facilitated an open writing support group at a local library through creative communities group, I taught writing extension workshops for year 8 students at three local schools, and I developed a creative writing curriculum for 12 to 14-year-olds.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice:
I love to write, I love to support others who love to write, and I love how these two practices inform each other. Teaching and coaching other writers makes me a better writer, and writing makes me a better teacher and coach. As a writing teacher and coach, I see my role as a supporter for people engaged in a self-led process that holds real meaning in their lives – even if on the surface it has nothing to do with them. I offer practical tools, indicate and interrogate existing models, encourage, observe, ask lots of questions, and strive to centre process over product. I also try to make it fun!