CREATIVE WRITING
"Everyone an artist, everyone a scientist!" - Joan Littlewood
I am passionate about adult learning and encouraging the creative spark in everyone. I run creative writing groups for adults as well as delivering 1:1 tuition in poetry and playwriting
"A very enjoyable course delivered by Matthew who made the experience fun, challenging and gave me a sense of achievement. A new topic for me to discover and a steep learning curve but made accessible and enjoyable in the way it was taught. Weekly meetings, assignments and feedback were all something to look forward to, as well as the last session when the work was showcased!" - Wendy (Student, 1:1 Tuition - Poetry)
"I have attended many, many groups over the years and none have come close to the two which were led by Matthew. In my experience, teachers are mainly managers or entertainers. Matthew is both! His love for – and commitment to – writing is palpable. To me, and I am sure to most – if not all – who have had the pleasure of working with him, he is truly and genuinely an inspiration!" - Helen (Participant, Logie 100 and Balgay Creative Writing Groups)
You can read feedback from some groups I have worked with previously below, or check out my blog
Contact me if you would like to discuss a project
I am a member of the National Association of Writers in Education. View my certificate of Public Liability Insurance
INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN
Feedback from Inspirational Women group 2019, delivered in partnership with Jo Dowd, Fife Council Learning & Development
What did you most appreciate/enjoy/think was best about the course?
"It was a relaxed atmosphere which gave me confidence"
"Meeting new people"
"Meeting new people, building my confidence, being able to do things I didn’t think I could do"
"I enjoyed doing the practical work and getting to know everyone"
"Built up knowledge and confidence"
"I enjoyed everything about the course"
"Enjoyed being able to participate in drama which I have never had the chance to do before"
"Went to see a play in Edinburgh and I enjoyed myself"
“Loved the show and the day out”
"Trip was excellent"
"Excellent, good fun"
"Excellent"
"Thoroughly enjoyed the trip"
PRESTONGRANGE POETS
Feedback from Word Works Creative Writing Group at Prestongrange Museum, East Lothian, 2019-21
Testimonials
“Matthew was an excellent facilitator and inspired creativity within the group. I also enjoyed the camaraderie and making new friends” – Debbie
“Having never done anything like this before I was a bit wary. I joined my friend and met some lovely folk. Matthew’s guidance was great from the start. He made me think! He was knowledgeable about Prestongrange which really added to the class. I’m now writing the odd thing after the class has finished. I would say … if in doubt, DO IT! - Ruth
“Matthew’s encouragement and skills as a communicator have helped me to produce written pieces in new and interesting ways and have given me a drive to continue writing for pleasure.” - Elly
“Matthew made the course very interesting sharing his knowledge of the area where we met as a group. He is an inspirational and patient tutor. He listened to the group and advised when necessary. His writing knowledge help to encourage the participants of the group and he instilled confidence throughout. The course was a fun learning experience which Matthew conducted with sensitivity.” - Wendy
“It was great to be part of an encouraging, welcoming group and helped me feel positive about my writing. Being outdoors and writing about the history and atmosphere of Prestongrange was really inspiring. Walking around the site and getting a feeling for the history and the people who have passed through or continue to use the site really opened up my imagination. Matthew was a great guide and his knowledge of the place added to the experience.” - Jill
You can buy a book of the work of the group called Poems to Prestongrange.