Meet the team
Laura Stroud
Hey! I'm Laura. I create and deliver the courses here at Derbyshire Writing School.
I created Derbyshire Writing School because I've been disillusioned, confused and left wanting with so many of the writing courses I've attended in the past. They seemed only to tell half of the story. They were either too practical and boring or too creative and intangible. The last straw was attending a writing retreat with NO cake! Seriously. Enough was enough. We all deserve better.
Our courses are creative and engaging, and they'll leave you bursting with ideas and confidence.
More about me:
I'm passionate about building your confidence and creativity. I can't wait to meet you and hear your story.
I’m a ghostwriter by trade, not the spooky kind of ghost stories, rather, I step into other people’s lives and write with their voice, in their style and tell their story. I’m represented by Watson, Little Literary Agency.
I've got an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Derby. Life writing and non-fiction work is my passion.
I'm a qualified teacher with years of experience, teaching in FE colleges, at universities and in the community.
I've written multiple non-fiction books and run a popular travel blog.
I've written a novel, and I'm working on my second.
Peter Billingham
Writing is easy, yes? You sit down and, well ... write? Seems simple, right?
Well, let me ask you a few questions:
Do you ever find yourself staring at a blank page or screen and thinking, "Where do I start?"
Do you ever feel like the words you write don't matter, as nobody will ever read them anyway?
Do you ever feel like there are so many remarkable stories bottled up inside, waiting to burst out?
To make a connection between feelings and action. That's what we do at Derbyshire Writing School.
My roles involve business development, teaching, and coaching. It all boils down to bringing the pieces of the puzzle together and seeing them fit, and you are the missing piece.
Whether it’s courses, workshops or coaching. I bring them together in a meaningful way to help you on your journey. We want to see you grow into the writer you dream of becoming. I have been writing and public speaking my whole working life. I've won awards for my speeches, published two books and broadcast hours of content. But, while that might be interesting (to me the most), my role now is about you and not me. Let's start by connecting the writer's life you would love with the skills, mindset and goals you have now. I am looking forward to helping that journey begin today.
Charlotte Lunn – Guest Poetry Facilitator
Charlotte is a published poet, workshop facilitator and bookseller. After completing her creative writing degree at The University of Derby, she became the events coordinator at Scarthin Books and has regularly reviewed literature for BBC Radio Derby. Charlotte has performed across the midlands and has been commissioned by Shottle Hall and Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Her debut poetry collection ‘Metamorphosis’ is due for publication with Verve Poetry Press in May 2021.
Charlotte delivers poetry workshops and courses as part of the Derbyshire Writing School team. To find out more about Charlotte and how to get started with poetry, listen to her interview on the Derbyshire Writing School podcast.
Lauren Davison – Staff Blog Writer
Lauren Davison is a Creative and Professional Writing student, currently studying at the University of Derby. She developed a passion for writing at a young age. She enjoys writing fiction and non-fiction.
To find out more about Lauren and to see if a Creative Writing degree is worth investing in, listen to her interview on the Derbyshire Writing School podcast.