From my home in Ipswich, I run creative writing workshops, groups and courses both in-person and via Zoom.

January’s ’21st Century Poetry’ course is now full, but I will be running another similar poetry course in May based on this book. If you’d like me to send you details nearer the time, email suffolkwritersgroup@gmail.com.

New Creative Writing Courses on Zoom

Reading and Writing 21st Century Poetry (January 2022) – Full

Weekly Wednesday Sessions (Currently on Zoom, usually face-to-face)

Weekly face-to-face group sessions take place in Ipswich on Wednesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm. To ask about membership, email me at: suffolkwritersgroup@gmail.com.

(Please note: Potential new members need to be fairly experienced writers of fiction who are planning to write a novel or collection of short stories).

Groups and Courses in 2022

Usually, I run a greater range of groups and courses than this but, in 2022, I am allocating more time to work on my own writing and promoting my poetry book ‘Thirty Angry Ghosts’.

In the meantime, for daily writing challenges and to become part of the wider local writing community, you might like to join ‘Suffolk Writers Group’ Facebook site.

About Me

I have a degree in English Literature from Kent University, am a trained teacher and have been running writing groups in Suffolk for the past ten years. I’ve won competitions for short stories, travel writing and poetry with my work appearing in Best Magazine, Let’s Talk, Suffolk Magazine, The Telegraph and The Fens. Examples of my work can be found at the bottom of the page including details about my new poetry collection – Thirty Angry Ghosts.

Besides from writing and co-ordinating activities with Suffolk Writers Group, I also work as a Creative Mentor and workshop leader for the Inside Out Community.

Comments I’ve received from group members

Jacqui Martin

Mai is so welcoming and, as a new writer venturing into the unknown, everyone is reassuring, encouraging and also really constructive.

Barry Eley

I wholeheartedly endorse Mai as a tutor. She has taken my writing from a series of official-sounding reports to a fully furnished novel, rich with descriptions and interesting characters. All done with gentle prodding and always a smile.

Megan Musgrove

I joined the Writer’s Group as a way to improve my writing skills. I stayed because the encouragement is fantastic; it has inspired a lot of new ideas and the people are just lovely.

Graham Cleaver

The combination of a friendly group of like-minded people and expert, supportive tuition is just what I needed.

Achievements of Group Members

• Cat Weldon has gained a literary agent and secured a three book deal with Pan MacMillan

• Kelly was a joint runner-up in the Felixstowe Short Story Competition one year and, on another occasion, had a story shortlisted. She also won our concept competition and received very encouraging feedback from literary agent Meg Davis.

• Timothy Howard has published several novels including The Buried Man and Clockwork Hearts.

• Lesley won two hundred euros and had her travel piece published in The Telegraph.

• Aaron won our synopsis competition to receive feedback on his work from literary Meg Davis

• Teresa had a story published in Your Cat magazine.

• Megan Musgrove has had several novels published. Click here to take a look.

• William won a competition to be one of Suffolk’s Young Poets of the year and read his work alongside Allan Ahlberg

Cathy Grant had her poem ‘In the Care Home’ featured on Radio Suffolk.

Here are some examples of my own work:

I recently published my first poetry collection which is available on Amazon. It features poems written in the voices of various historical figures including Henry VIII, Boudicca and Tutankhamen.

Click here to view the book from Amazon.

Click here for details of the book plus suggested educational activities.

Short Story in the Fens Magazine.

Travel piece in The Telegraph.