Creative Writing Lab
Based at Teesside University in the North East of the UK,
we develop methods of creative practice, practice-based research and creative-critical inquiry that help to define and further the fields of creative writing and writing and wellbeing.
Our work includes creative publications in a wide range of fields, together with protocols, paradigms and techniques that can be used in personal and professional development, education, therapy and health care.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
— Maya Angelou
Sophie leads Creative Writing Lab. She is a bestselling novelist, poet and writer with over twenty years experience of teaching writing. Sophie has pioneered research in creative writing as a creative-critical academic discipline and in the emerging field of writing and wellbeing.
Sophie is an Associate Professor, Creative Writing at Teesside University and teaches on the MA Creative Writing and Wellbeing and across Teesside’s undergrad and postgrad Creative Writing portfolio. Find out more about Sophie’s work here.
About Creative Writing Lab
Sophie Nicholls
Creative Writing Lab Alumni
-
Eve Darwood
Eve’s creative practice-based research investigates illness experience through lyric memoir.
-
Victoria Bailey
Victoria’s practice-based research explores her ‘mother line’ using writing as a creative-critical method of inquiry.
-
Jessica Wortley
Jess is conducting creative practice-based research into the benefits of writing in and about nature.
-
Bryan Nyary
Bryan’s practice-based research explores auto-fiction, trauma and humanitarian aid worker memoir.
-
Russell Pollard
Russell’s practice-based research explores trauma and moral injury among veterans, using writing and performance.
-
Sam Rose
Sam’s autoethnographic practice-based research explores her experiences of cancer and Lynch Syndrome.
-
Christina Wilson
Chrstina’s Collaboratve Doctoral Award, funded by Northern Bridge, explores issues of diversity in UK poetry festivals, working with Sabotage Reviews.
-
Caroline Hadley
Caroline is exploring the relationship between psychodynamic theory and writing.
Find out more about PhD study.
Read how to prepare your proposal and apply to work with us below.
Prize-winning poem
‘Decommissioning of the Womb’ by Sam Rose won second place in the writing category of STEMag's "Flatten The Curve" competition.
Work in the world
Gut Feelings: Coping With Cancer and Living With Lynch Syndrome
"Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that makes it more likely for a person to get cancer. In other words, it’s the world’s worst loyalty programme." Colon cancer, uterine cancer, duodenal cancer. Colostomy bags, infertility, genetic testing. But also, joy. Also adventure. Also grit.
GUT FEELINGS spans ten years from the author's first cancer diagnosis to the life-changing surgeries for her second and third. Racking up a collection of medical experiences - and losing countless organs along the way - Sam Rose has stories for anyone facing the uncertainty of cancer or Lynch syndrome, to help patients and survivors feel less alone.
The Taste of Sweat and Sand
Spoken word performance by Russell Pollard performed at
Edinburgh Fringe, August 2022.
A creative expedition through life after military service, exploring encounters with trauma and struggles with civilian adjustment. This performance uses storytelling, poetry and soundscape to articulate ways that writing can support healing and self-discovery. Having served across the globe in the Middle East, Africa and the Balkans, Russ struggled to come to terms with life after service. Searching for meaning and purpose, he finally discovered the power of writing things down and then sharing them with others. A bold and moving one-man show, performed by the writer.