Contact
Biography
I have been a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Nottingham since 2012. Prior to this, I spent a decade developing a professional career as a writer of fiction, and continue to develop that practice alongside my university research and teaching.
I have published five novels and two short story collections, and won awards including the Dublin Literature Prize and Costa Novel Award. I have also participated in several residencies, writing workshops, mentorships, and prize juries.
I regularly participate in literary festivals and conferences, and have a particular interest in exploring new forms of literary performance and live audience engagement.
Expertise Summary
My main areas of research and teaching are in the forms, practices, and critical reception of contemporary literary fiction. I am regularly invited to participate in the judging of major literary prizes, which gives me access to and influence over contemporary literary debate:
2021 Rathbones Folio Prize
2019 David Cohen Prize for Literature
2017 BBC National Short Story Award
2015 The Goldsmiths Prize
Teaching Summary
Undergraduate modules:
Fiction Forms and Conventions
MA modules:
Learning to Publish
In addition to teaching on the above modules, I edit and manage the School of English's literary journal, The Letters Page, providing professional publishing experience to a small team of placement students each year.