My teaching style is what I like to call derious-ly casual. Yes, we're here to learn, but if you're bored stiff, nothing's going to happen!

I'll use examples from Shakespeare to Stephen King, from the classics to Conan The Barbarian. Serious analysis is interspersed with jokes and the odd meme. We'll take some notes and write a little, but me sitting there as you write an essay isn't fun for anyone. I like to talk, I like to discuss, I like to get the brain going with a back-and-forth conversation.

I always try to focus on how to make the sessions suit the student. It’s up to you exactly what you want to focus on, and where you want to take the sessions. If you want to look at some creative writing practice, let’s create. If you want to seriously hit the theory, we’ll get out the textbooks and I’ll introduce you to long greek words and the ideas of scholars revered in University hallways on marble plinths. If you feel like your poetry could be improved, it’s time to introduce you to Heaney and Yeats and Dylan Thomas. Everything I do is based around trying to make sure you get the best experience possible, the best education possible, and the best out of your time in the sessions.

It is always my intention to make the subject fun. To make it accessible, to make it interesting and entertaining. If you're engaged, you'll care, and if you care, you'll learn. And surely, learning is why we're here.