I'm a creative writing teacher, lecturer, tutor and mentor with nearly twenty years of experience. I've taught in further, adult and higher education, and in a range of community settings, from workplaces and care homes to the Royal Opera House. I've taught poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, literature, media studies and more.
In my teaching I value and build on existing knowledge,
encouraging people to learn through reading, playful writing activities, sharing and discussion. I'm committed to creating learning spaces that are caring and inclusive, in which everyone feels able to ask questions, make mistakes, and take
risks.
I've previously taught for City University London, the University of Oxford, and Royal Holloway, University of London. I'm currently teaching for Middlesex University and the Poetry School, as well as doing private mentoring and editing work. I have an MA in Creative and Life Writing (Goldsmiths College), a PGCE in post-compulsory education (Institute of Education) and a PhD on radio poetry (Royal Holloway). I'm a fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of the National Association of Writers in Education. I specialise in teaching poetry and creative writing but I've also taught English and essay writing skills from pre-GCSE upwards.
Tutoring and mentoring
I offer one off sessions, regular sessions or
'term' blocks of 10 sessions with a focus or topic of your choice. I also offer group sessions for institutions and in community settings. Subjects have included: creative inspiration/ starting
points; overcoming stuckness and writer's block; revising and submitting your work; responding to visual art; writing sonnets; poetic form and music; flash fiction; and lyric essays. I'm particularly
interested in helping writers to build their confidence, develop a sustainable writing practice, and manage and overcome imposter syndrome.
Tutoring and mentoring sessions cost between £40 and £70p/h, depending on what you feel able to afford. To find out more or to arrange an initial phone or zoom chat, please email
poet@katepotts.net.
Learner feedback
To enquire about teaching or mentoring, please email poet@katepotts.net or use the contact form
below.