I am a writer and teacher based in London. I have published four novels and two non-fiction books on literary/historical subjects. I have also written a large amount of journalism – I am a regular fiction reviewer for the Sunday Times and have also worked as a music critic.

I have taught Creative Writing in a wide variety of contexts, from prisons to universities. Organizations I have taught for include the Arts Council and the Arvon Foundation. I am currently running a creative writing class in Ealing, West London.

I have also worked as a Producer/Director/Writer for television and radio, making history, arts and current affairs documentaries for the BBC and other broadcasters. Among my credits are the Emmy-nominated Jihad: The Men and Ideas Behind Al Qaeda, on which I was Co-Producer/Writer.

My short story “Voyage” is included in the current issue of Stand magazine and has been selected for the volume Best British Short Stories 2012 (Salt, forthcoming).

I am currently researching a doctorate at Royal Holloway College, University of London on “cognitive” approaches to literature. My research focusses on the mental processes by which we find meaning in narratives.

Recent and upcoming lectures and conference papers in St Petersburg and Paris - see Recent and forthcoming conference papers.

Small-group courses on fiction and writing – see Teaching page for details.

Short story “Voyage” forthcoming in Stand magazine.