I write fast-paced YA fiction, and drama teaching resources.
My debut novel UNDER GLASS was optioned for film and TV by former Warner Bros. President of Film Greg Silverman’s Stampede Ventures. I went to drama school in London (The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) and during my time there I discovered that I wanted to be a writer. To become a writer, I believed I needed to understand the world better, so I studied for a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in International Development Studies and Sociology. I was awarded a first-class honours degree and the David Weeks memorial prize; this achievement was shocking to me (and my family!), as I had failed most of my exams at school—due to my dyslexia and obsession for putting on theatre shows. I was a drama teacher for ten years in London, and then in Bath, and I ran one of the UK’s largest regional youth theaters. Now I write for The Stage newspaper, and I’m the author of the #1 Amazon category bestseller 100 Acting Exercises for 8-18 Year Olds (Bloomsbury Academic/Methuen Drama). I am represented by Jordan Hamessley at New Leaf Literary and Media, Inc., in New York. |
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UNDER GLASS
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In Eos, a glass-domed colony on Mars, perfection is survival. But Eva Knight, the President's daughter, feels anything but perfect. She hates the Martian way and dreams of living on Earth.
When Eva’s brother is deemed unproductive and executed by the Martian government, Eva must choose between her mother, and what she believes to be right. Under Glass is a fast-paced, romantic, and dystopian sci-fi. But ultimately it's a story about love, death, and how what we change inwardly can change reality. |
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How to write with dyslexia
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I have dyslexia and couldn't read until I was 13, but with the help from a generous English teacher, and some writing techniques I've devised for myself, I've learned to work with my dyslexia. Even today, nearly 40% of the words I write are spelled wrong, but good storytelling is what matters when writing a novel! I’m excited to share my journey, advice, and techniques on how to write with dyslexia.
Week one: Building trust Week two: The first draft Week three: Editing Week four: Using your strengths Sign up here to start the course and get occasional email updates. You can opt-out at any moment. |
Mentorship for a Writer with Dyslexia
Twice a year I give away a short mentorship to a writer with dyslexia. Once in the spring and once in the fall. Applications are open from April 1 - 30 May and October 1 to November 30.
Apply with a 200-400 word description of your work in progress, a sample chapter of your fiction, and around 500 words about yourself. The winner will receive feedback on the first three chapters of their novel, synopsis, and query letter, followed up by a Zoom, Skype, or phone, story consultation. Please email your application to sam@teachdrama.org Subscribe to my newsletter for a reminder: |
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Journalism
I write advice pieces and features for The Stage newspaper, London, on training, mindfulness, and on finding your artistic voice.
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