ABOUT
Who I am
About KIMBERLEY
Teaching philosophy statement
I believe that learning needs to be enjoyable and supportive as well as structured and suitably challenging. The aim is that every single attendee leaves any of my workshops more knowledgeable, confident, and skilled, and I take pride in the fact that we achieve this but also have fun along the way.
Part of being an effective tutor is to create a safe and open environment where people can explore through writing, experimenting with their creative ideas and written offerings. I give instant feedback after every piece is shared, then gently encourage relevant peer involvement in the critique and advice. Enhancing knowledge and writing should be pleasurable undertakings, and establishing the right atmosphere is key, including where different perspectives and topics are welcome.
I am a perceptive educator who knows that having an admirable command of language and set of communication skills can make for a most rewarding, interesting life. My wealth of expertise combines with a genuine passion for words and stories, both fictional and real. I have an appreciation for the written form and helping others to express themselves artfully; furthermore, my career experience confirms that creative writing can be beneficial for wellbeing, and I’m privileged to see this firsthand.
Having taught for over 20 years, I design and organise my courses so that any attendee can test, broaden and finesse their skill set, including in ways which surprise and delight. I cater for a mixture of levels – in ability, knowledge, and confidence. Through careful planning and sharing of a diverse and ever-changing range of ideas and prompts I help facilitate myriad writing reactions and projects. Yes, there are trends in literature, publishing, and storytelling, but my central approach seeks to identify, polish and celebrate individual voices and styles as well as broaden scope and possibility.
Regardless of the different personalities and reasons for attending a writing class, I offer a welcoming and comfortable ambience where everyone can pursue their aspirations and garner benefits from collaborating with like-minded peers.
Educational background and qualifications
BA Hons in English Literature
MA in Humanities
Post-Compulsory PGCE
Professional experience
I’ve been teaching since 2002 and fully qualified since 2003: in FE, HE and Adult Education. As a Literature specialist, I have focused on Creative Writing for over a decade and have also edited numerous short stories, a range of poetry, novels, a memoir, as well as more academic or business-related writing.
Areas of expertise/specialism
I’m knowledgeable about literature of all different genres, contexts, styles, and forms, from both an academic and creative perspective. This blended approach means that I am especially adept at helping writers to achieve a balance between imaginative flourishes and artful writing.
Areas of specialism include structure and plotting, characterisation, symbolism and imagery, patterning, pace and rhythm, use of enhancing literary and rhetorical devices, evocation of tone, setting and atmosphere, and generally achieving continuity and authenticity, in both fiction and non-fiction.
Generous with giving ideas and helping to inspire innovation, I am just as comfortable working with factual writing as I am the more imaginary, same for different genres and forms. I can help you produce poetry, novels, stories, plays, your memoir, song lyrics, reviews, essays and any other more formal and professional texts.