I have an inquiring mind and understand subjects and issues rapidly. I am an experienced writer, researcher, project and partnership manager.
I hold a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing (MFA – Creative Writing, MMU) and a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours in Geography (BA Hons, University of Exeter). I have also studied marketing modules within an MBA and a master’s module in psychology.
The MFA – creative fiction, completed over three years, encompasses an MA in creative writing and completing a full-length manuscript — narrative arc, outline plan, research, development, drafting, editing and proofreading. Among many benefits, the MFA equipped me with two that are key. A thorough understanding of narrative techniques and their impact on readers. The competency to provide developmental feedback for other writers. In addition to the MFA, I have written three novels, a novella and an array of short stories.
The honours degree involved reading natural and human geography, the practical development of skills in survey design, methodology and multivariate statistical analysis and independent research, culminating in a dissertation on ‘Crime and the Fear of Crime within three electoral wards comparing the socio-demographic attitudes of 90 respondents based on face-to-face questionnaires and the geographic distribution of reported crime associated with fear and worry about crime.
Through my careers I have produced numerous strategic reports for senior management teams, committees and multi-sectoral partnerships.
I have researched, written and implemented strategies for marketing, economic development, workforce learning and projects. I have assisted in the editing and proofreading of chapters for academic books, proofread doctoral theses, and provided guidance, structuring and formatting advice for undergraduate dissertations. Finally, I have conducted research on the needs of small business, and the marketing direction for tourism destinations, and secured funding from grant making bodies for the development of capital projects or the delivery of projects beneficial to deprived communities.