Professor Andy Brown inspires Sixth Form writers
On Monday, Head of English, Sam Farmer, welcomed Andy Brown, Professor of Creative and Critical Writing at Exeter University, to deliver a workshop for boys, alongside an evening session in the Skinners’ Library for the wider School community.
Andy is a distinguished poet, novelist, musician with a background in ecology. He has published numerous poetry collections, including Grace Notes and The Big Rip, which formed the basis of the evening’s recital and discussion. His historical novels include The Midnight Mechanic, which explores Victorian sanitation, and Apples and Prayers, set during the 1549 Prayer Book rebellion.
During the recital, Andy encouraged a conversational atmosphere by welcoming questions from pupils and staff. He shared his creative process, including his views on the relationship between poetry and song. Other topics included the importance of place in his writing, and the value of surrounding himself with other creative people.
After reading an extract from The Midnight Mechanic, Andy explained how an experience more than twenty years ago first sparked his fascination with Victorian sewers. He brought the subject vividly to life while emphasising the importance of focusing on the human story within historical fiction. He also shared practical advice on writing techniques, including plot development and the value of interruptions in creating authentic dialogue.
