Editorial Expertise: I offer a wide range of editorial services, and currently focus on developmental editing and mentoring. I draw on my instinct for story, an eye for detail, and a deep understanding of publishing as I work with writers to clarify their creative visions and refine their manuscripts.
Teaching and Workshops: I am a passionate and enthusiastic teacher. I’ve taught writing workshops and seminars on publishing at Naropa University both online and on campus in Boulder, Colorado, and at other universities in the UK and the US. I’ve also taught many workshops in collaboration with salon series Words Away and for writers’ conferences, writing agencies, museums and festivals, e.g., Hastings Book Festival, Victoria & Albert Museum, The Literary Consultancy, Jericho Writers Festival of Writing. I speak at writing groups too.
Extensive Publishing Experience: In my teaching as well as editing and mentoring I draw on my wide and varied background in the publishing industry. I acquired and edited books in numerous genres of fiction and nonfiction in-house at Little, Brown, and as a freelancer have worked for all of the major UK houses as well as many independent presses. Over more than thirty-five years, I’ve worked with renowned authors and contributed to the success of many critically acclaimed and award-winning works.
Holistic Approach: My approach to writing and creativity is holistic. I help writers to improve their craft while also using intuitive techniques to encourage them to find the heart of their stories and develop their own voice and personality in writing. I often follow a Four Elements practice, incorporating ingredients from tarot with contemplative and somatic practices I’ve developed through my studies at, among other places, Naropa University, birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement.
International Background: I’ve worked with and mentored writers all over the world. I’ve lived in Colorado, New Mexico and Australia, and I’m now based in London. I arrange meetings on Zoom, and depending on availability can sometimes meet in person in West London.
Writing: I’ve written short fiction and essays that have been published in anthologies Uncontained and Primal Picnics and in literary magazines including American Drivel Review, Bombay Gin, Café Irreal, Ellipsis, Fast Forward, One Less, and Swap/Concessions. I’ve also written extensive teaching materials (Naropa University, Falmouth University).
Areas of Interest: literary fiction, international writing and literature in translation, historical fiction, blockbusters, fantasy, horror, science fiction, crime, LGBTQ+, memoir and life writing, history, natural history, travel, gardening, food, travel, tarot, mind-body-spirit.