Born Sunderland 1952. Formerly Head of Performing Arts, Languages & English at Exeter College, Exeter. Has been the New Statesman's resident poet since 1993, and still regularly wins competitions in the NS and Spectator under a variety of names. Now a full-time freelance writer, and happy to run workshops/give performances at mutuually agreeable times.
His work appears in over 40 anthologies, most recently in The New Exeter Book of Riddles, and his parodies have also appeared in The Independent, TES, New Statesman (on which he is the weekly satirical poet), and a variety of other magazines. His collection of New Statesman poems, "Tony Blair Reminds Me Of A Budgie" came out in 1996. He is currently working on a book about family research, and contributing to local and national newspapers.
After 28 years in education, Bill is now freelance. He has long experience of running poetry, creative writing and parody workshops, and workshops on teaching writing. This includes workshops for NATE and NAWE conferences.
A collection, 'Impossible Objects', was published in 2006 by Cinnamon Press, and shortlisted for the Forward Prize (best first collection).
Bill has been one of our distance learning/online tutors in the Department of Lifelong Learning at the University of Exeter for the past four years. He has tutored creative writing, poetry and literature courses and has inspired literally hundreds of adult learners to develop their own creative and literary skills. Many have gone on to write award winning prose and poetry.
Bill has demonstrated a a real commitment to his teaching and puts in a huge effort in response to questions or requests for feedback. He draws on his own creative ability to inspire and encourage his students and they have rewarded him by producing some outstanding work.
Bill has developed an online teaching style that stimulates discussion in the forums and elicits high levels of participation amongst the students. His students have been enthusiastic about the support he has provided and give glowing feedback on the courses and his teaching of them."
In the past 10 years the University Dept of Lifelong Learning has offered accredited undergraduate modules and programmes to adult learners from across the UK and beyond. Literature, Creative Writing, Archaeology, Egyptology, Humanities, History, Environmental Studies, Theology and Visual Arts programmes have been available. At level 1 (first year equivalent - the programmes are open entry - no prior qualifications required)
E-Learning and Communications
School of Education & Lifelong Learning
University of Exeter
I have employed Bill twice as a creative writing tutor. The first time to deliver a 10 week course (one 2hr session a week) which was focussed on short stories. Participants ranged from novice to nearly published and the sessions had to be suitable for all levels. I attended these workshops myself and can say as both employer and participant that they were excellent. Bill introduced the group to a range of writers and short story forms and developed our own writing through well planned and presented exercises, many of which we were able to use again after the course had finished. The feedback from the group was very positive with requests for Bill to return and run additional courses.
The second occasion was a one off workshop aimed at new writers. This session was organised in partnership with the Fishermans Arms, a day centre for adults with physical disabilities. Again the workshop was well planned and presented, using a range of exercises around developing ideas, introducing characters and structuring plots. Bill ensured that the exercises were suitable for the group and both the participants and centre staff gave positive feedback.
Bill puts in the preparation time and that shows in his work. He also clearly understands the subject and as such workshop participants feel that they are learning from him and that his sessions are worth paying for. He is also very enjoyable to worth with and his sense of humour was appreciated by both groups.
Reading and Community Learning Manager
Dorset County Council