I’m Clare Stevens, an author and creative writing tutor. Here’s a bit more about me:
Journo turned author and writing tutor
I’m an ex-journo turned author and creative writing tutor. I grew up in Somerset but have spent most of my adult life in Nottingham. After spending a decade or so working for the government publicity machine, I’ve now turned from spin doctor to story spinner.
Finding time to write
I penned my debut novel while studying for an MA in Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University. That novel, Blue Tide Rising, was published in 2019 by Inspired Quill. In 2018, I was runner-up in the Nottingham Writers’ Studio awards for ‘Novelist of the year’.
My favourite writing time is first thing in the morning when I’m still half in dreamland – I wrote most of the first draft of this novel in bed! I also write in other places, such as in cafes and on trains, drawing inspiration from an unlimited supply of human interest.
Publishing history
Many of my short stories have been published and I’m now working on my second novel with Inspired Quill – due out September 2023. I’ve also been involved in the production of several anthologies to raise money for local charities.
Leading workshops
I run Creative Writing workshops across Nottingham and beyond. I have been a writing tutor with refugee groups, people living with cancer, and writers looking to develop their skills.
Writing my blog
My blog on writing, ‘Away with words’, is written from the places which inspire me. So it doubles up as a travel blog. In this, I share writing exercises from my workshops, and other (hopefully useful!) advice on writing creatively.