Workshop facilitator
Helen Patuck is a queer writer and illustrator. She shares ten years experience of writing and cross-cultural collaboration, having taught creative writing internationally in the fields of humanitarian assistance and emergency mental health since 2014. Helen holds an MSc in peace-building and international law from SOAS University of London and is the founder of the Kitabna - Our Book imprint. Whilst working on her novel, Helen currently works as a creative consultant to the United Nations and teaches ESOL to refugee and newcomer women in south-west England. This workshop is part of her "Developing Your Creative Practice" workshop series funded by Arts Council England. ACE funding allows Helen to design and share creative writing with 10+ organisations across the UK and Europe that work to create safe spaces for people affected by violence, misogny, homophobia and xenophobia.
Speakers
Joe Murray has been working in publishing for fourteen years, and was the curator of one of the world's largest private collections of rare books and manuscripts documenting Europe's relationship with the Arab and Islamic worlds. He was also the director of the associated publishing house, during which time he managed a publishing relationship with OUP, and devised and implemented a landmark, award-winning digital academic publishing partnership with Bloomsbury. He graduated from Oriel College, Oxford in 2010 with a BA in English and German, and his German and French translation skills have been central to his research, editorial and publishing output. He now focuses on translation, manuscript assessment, developmental/structural editing, copyediting and proofreading with several publishers (both mainstream and independent), as well as private clients.
Han Smith grew up in Japan, Russia, the UK and other places, and is a queer writer, translator and adult literacy teacher. She was the recipient of a 2019/2020 London Writers Award, and her work has been published by Lunate, Five Dials, Cipher Press, the Brick Lane Bookshop and the European Poetry Festival, among others. Portraits was published by John Murray Originals in 2024; it was shortlisted for the Goldsmiths Prize for 'fiction that breaks the mould' and selected as one of The Guardian's best books of 2024.
Frankie Pittwright is a qualified psychotherapist with fifteen years of experience dedicated to serving marginalised communities in various roles, specialising in neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQ+ clients, and those who are fostered and adopted. With a strong commitment to creating safe spaces, she has worked with diverse groups, including homeless individuals and survivors of trauma. As a neuroqueer person, Frankie is passionate about supporting these communities and emphasises identity and safety in her therapeutic approach. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Psychotherapeutic Practice, she advocates for inclusivity and recognition through her recently established initiative, "This is Where C.I.C".