Born in Cornwall, son of a wartime refugee from Estonia. Sussex University.

Since 1984 a freelance writer. Taught Creative Studies at Bath Spa University

College, before becoming Professor in creative Writing at University of

Glamorgan. Many years of experience visiting schools; now specialising in

creative writing at HE level, with occasional schools projects, especially in cross-

arts work.

Recent novels for young people: THE STORM GARDEN (OUP. 2006), THE

LASTLING (OUP, 2003), ... previously seven novels from OUP, Scholastic and

Faber;

poetry for adults: THE EGG OF ZER0 (Bloodaxe, 2006), MAPPA MUNDI

(Bloodaxe, 2003)... all previous volumes collected in CHANGES OF ADDRESS:

POEMS 1980-98 (Bloodaxe 2001);

poetry for young people: Manifold Manor, The All-Nite Cafe, Scratch City (all

Faber)

As a gifted poet, author and communicator Philip Gross brought 3-fold inspiration, experience and insight to a fascinating afternoon with a Year 7 group earlier this year. The session comprised a mixture of talk, q-and-a, a practical activity and a reading. The pupils were riveted; so were the adults. Many wanted to purchase and have signed a copy of one of his novels. All contributed the following week to wonderful, written feedback which I sent one.

Preparation time spent in setting up this event was pleasurable and effortless thanks to the professional and speedy manner with which Philip dealt with calls and emails. I summed up all that I felt about the success of this visit in the thanks I sent to Philip after the event:

There is nothing to inspire people to read, in my opinion, as much as actually meeting an author. But in meeting you this group were particularly fortunate not only because they could meet someone who can communicate so effectively about his craft, but who also has that elusive, exceptional quality of being able to infact others with his passion about the written word. It was a privilege to have you here.

I look forward to an opportunity for a return visit!

Literary Events Co-ordinator Bristol Grammar School

For the past five years Philip Gross has been the key member of the team leading the combined arts weekends for young people held at NorthCourt Manor on the Isle of Wight. The project involves an exciting and evolving collaboration between the writers and artists, each year building on work in progress and developing new directions. While each weekend leads to a performance and publishing of the young people's writings and art work, the process itself is crucial. Philip offers a clear framework within which to explore ideas, and inspirational starting points but never tight parameters which may produce guaranteed but restricted 'end products'. Instead he remains sensitvie to the creative process and to whatever may emerge in the course of a weekend. I tremendously enjoy working with Philip and as a writer and a facilitator myself, I have learned much from him.

Literature Education Development, Isle of Wight Writer in residence for the Healing Arts and for HMP Albany, Isle of Wight Council