Meet the Creatives
A variety of Creatives to listen to and become inspired by
Gordon Adams
Flash Fiction
Meet Gordon Adams, a talented local author who is making waves in both non-fiction and short fiction.
With a natural gift for storytelling, Gordon has had a dozen of his captivating short stories featured in various anthologies.
His work has earned recognition, with some pieces being shortlisted for prestigious awards like the Milton Keynes Literary Festival and the Hammond House International Literary Prize.
Join Gordon on his journey through the world of words, where he eagerly shares tips, hints, and tricks for mastering flash fiction writing.
Kezzabelle Ambler
POETRY
Meet Kezzabelle Ambler, the 11th Bard of Northampton and a Pushcart Prize nominee.
This dynamic performance poet weaves wit, wisdom, and humor into her one-woman show, "Permission To Love Yourself," and her workshops, "Weaving Words."
Her fifth book and audio collection, "Permission To Speak," tackles themes like nature, mental health, and love.
Kezzabelle works across communities, festivals, retreats, and mental health wards, helping people express their thoughts and feelings.
Touring the country, she passionately shares her craft, inspiring and uplifting everyone she meets with her boundless love for words and people.
Sue Bentley
FICTION
Sue is a prolific author spanning children's, young adult, and adult fiction, with a career of over 30 years and more than 80 published books.
Formerly writing under five pseudonyms, Sue now unites her diverse work under her own name.
Fueled by a vibrant imagination and a passion for learning, Sue crafts intricate storylines. She enriches her dialogue by people-watching in cafes and finds inspiration and peace in nature walks, essential for developing characters and plots.
Sue's adult novels reflect her fascination with dark narratives and intricate plots, drawing readers into compelling, complex stories
Rose Marie Calder
Author and Broadcaster
Rose Marie Calder's novels stem from her diverse life experiences.
Rose Marie's career spans from corporate training to partnering with the NHS IT Project Team, enriching her work with a wealth of practical knowledge.
Rose Marie's expertise in verbal communication, developed through television, video, and radio work, allows her to create engaging workshops for all ages.
Rose Marie has completed two mystery novels and plans to write more.
Despite her professional success, Rose Marie's personal life is equally fulfilling. As a proud mother of three and grandmother of six in the States, she balances her personal and professional life with grace and relatability.
Charles Corbett
POET
My poetry is not for performing.
It doesn’t do cavort.
It doesn’t wear loud, stripy shirts
and it doesn’t like to shout.
No, my poetry is not for performing.
It won’t swing from a trapeze.
It won’t make the elephants dance round the ring nor incite the chimpanzees.
No, this poetry is not for performing.
It’s more for the ear than the eye.
It’s more an anxious tug at your sleeve than a smack from a custard pie.
But I wish it was for performing,
with an in-your-face sort of style.
It’s more what the age demands of one; more gumption, less guile.
But it is what it is. I can’t help it.
I come from a long ragged line,
who left the acting to others,
and sat quietly to pen verse and rhyme.
Jo Blackwell
Fiction and Non-Fiction
Throughout her life, Jo has sifted through her own stories in search of truth and meaning. This long and sometimes painful journey has ultimately been fulfilling. As she has grown older, she has occasionally found moments of peace.
Jo's work revolves around stories. Through brand photography, she helps entrepreneurs tell their stories, attracting more aligned clients.
In her one-on-one coaching, Jo assists women over 45 in unpicking limiting stories and creating new, happier narratives for their next life phase.
Jo also writes about the culture of ageing and features women in midlife and beyond as protagonists in her fiction.
David Walshaw
publishing consultant
With over 25 years in the publishing industry, David’s career began during university, where he packed books for extra money.
The first half of David's career spanned traditional publishing, with roles in distribution, marketing, sales, and editorial departments. This gave him broad industry experience, from managing book signings to negotiating with major retailers like Gardners and Waterstones.
Over a decade ago, David joined New Generation Publishing (NGP), the UK’s largest author services company, to balance work and family life. At NGP, he assists authors with publishing and marketing, working with a wide range of clients.
David also anchors and participates in panel discussions on publishing, and lives in Northamptonshire with his wife and two children.
Sophie Garner
Singer
Sophie began her career with the National Youth Theatre, eventually becoming the first artist to play the London O2 Arena. Her success led to tours across Europe and the Middle East, supporting artists like McFly and Sugababes.
A natural educator, Sophie believes in the holistic and deep effects of music, using it as a therapy and life skill to help others express themselves confidently and develop socially. Sophie's nurturing nature continues in one-on-one music therapy sessions with children with special educational needs and behavioral issues, providing a supportive environment for troubled children to express their feelings.
In 2019, she earned a Master’s in Vocal Pedagogy and published "The Creative Songwriting Journal" in 2020, endorsed by UK parenting expert Sue Atkins.
Jason Hodges
SCRIPT WRITER
Jason Hodges, a highly acclaimed writer and creative director, has earned over 60 awards and accolades at advertising agencies worldwide.
Jason has scripted and filmed hundreds of commercials and longer-form digital content.
Since 2007, Jason has been crafting creative communications for the BBC, particularly for BBC News and BBC Worldwide.
An attendee of Robert McKee’s renowned ‘Story Seminar,’ he was also selected for McKee’s exclusive Masterclass, further honing his storytelling expertise.
N. Leigh Hunt
True Crime
Meet N. Leigh Hunt, a versatile author, crime historian, broadcaster, and keynote speaker based in the UK.
Nick is known for his insights into school shootings and mass murders, holding membership in the American Society of Criminology.
Originally from San Diego, Nick now resides in Olney but holds a deep connection to his hometown.
Since moving to England in 1999, he's been active with the BBC and other major broadcasters.
Nick also directs a radio station, producing shows and podcasts in the Midlands.
Beryl Lavender
Presenter
Olney author, Beryl Lavender, was born in South Africa, read English and History at university, worked as a journalist on a South African daily and then became a teacher of English and Divinity at one of the country's top public schools.
A widow, she has been living in Olney for the past seventeen years to be close to her children and grandchildren.
A few years ago she decided to write a commentary on the Bible gained from a near lifetime of biblical study.
She has completed the Old Testament in a series of four books, 'The Story of the Torah,' 'The Broken Contract,' 'Problems, Praises and Proverbs,' and 'A Warning for our Times.'
Currently Beryl is working on 'The Rescuer', first volume of her New Testament commentary.
Patricia Lee
Performance Prose
Patrica spent her childhood at the seaside but has been landlocked ever since, living in Oxfordshire, Kent, Belfast, Cheshire and West Yorkshire.
At Oxford University Patricia didn’t enjoy reading for a degree in Jurisprudence but did enjoy parties, punting and Pimm’s.
Patricia's Master's Degree is in Ethnomusicology, analysing global cultural perceptions of musical talent.
Patricia has recorded Talking Newspapers for the Blind, given public readings at several Festivals including Bath Literary Festival, Speed-Reading and Poetry Recitals at Leeds Metropolitan University and is the voice of the announcements at Market Harborough Theatre.
Patricia is thrilled to be a part of the Inaugural Olney WordFest 2024.
Eleanor & Sam
actors
Year 12 students from Olney, Eleanor Whysall and Sam Chapman, are two talented actors on the path to earning their LAMDA medals.
Both are passionate about treading the boards and will showcase their skills in an electrifying performance from An Enemy of the People.
This modern reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 classic, adapted by acclaimed writers Thomas Ostermeier and Florian Borchmeyer, promises a powerful and dynamic presentation.
Eleanor and Sam’s dedication to their craft, along with their growing experience, highlights their bright futures in the performing arts
Siobhan Murphy
Presenter
Siobhan Murphy is a local writer and photographer, telling stories through both words and images.
As an indie author, Siobhan has published a women’s fiction novel and several light-hearted YA books.
A passionate reader, Siobhan is currently working on a romantic comedy, a genre she enjoys both reading and writing. While she appreciates more literary works, she believes that in today’s chaotic world, a comforting read is sometimes just what’s needed.
Siobhan has spent several years studying writing craft and story structure, and enjoys identifying character archetypes and plot threads in films and TV shows, making her an annoying Netflix companion!
Kate Nicholas
Autobiography
Kate Nicholas is an internationally selling author, TV presenter, and speaker with 30 years’ experience as a national current affairs journalist and magazine editor.
Formerly editor-in-chief of PRWeek, she has written for The Independent, The Observer, and Business Life, and was a regular commentator on BBC, ITV, Sky, and Channel 4 news.
As the global communications chief for the Christian charity World Vision, she honed her storytelling skills. During her cancer treatment in 2014, Kate wrote her best-selling memoir, Sea Changed, which was nominated for CRT Christian Biography of the Year in 2017.
Her latest book, To The Ocean Floor, chronicles her second cancer journey.
Marcus Pibworth
StoryTeller
Marcus Pibworth is a storyteller, father, and seeker of quiet places. Originally from Warrington, just outside Olney, he now resides in the picturesque foothills of the Black Mountains in rural Herefordshire.
Marcus' passion for storytelling goes beyond mere entertainment; he explores the magic of the world and facilitates change through his craft.
Marcus brings stories to life by putting on captivating storytelling shows and running immersive workshops. He travels around in his magical storytelling caravan, known as the Bardic Caravan, sharing his tales with diverse audiences.
Through his work, Marcus aims to inspire wonder, ignite imagination, and foster a deeper connection to the world around us.
Marcus's unique approach to storytelling makes him a beloved figure in his community and beyond.
Fiona Ritchie
SCRIPTS and COMEDY
Fiona Ritchie is a versatile author and the script manager for the radio comedy series Ambleforth Manor.
Fiona records a five-minute weekly diary based on her memoirs Fi’s Ability and Fi’s Inability, now nearing its 100th episode.
Throughout lockdown, many people spent more time with their family than they were comfortable with; the letters convey just how a mother and daughter muddled along. Gin features heavily to deal with the daily frustrations.
Fiona's childhood memoir, ‘Adventures of a Ginger Girl’ is a charming peep at a childhood in Cornwall, through the eyes of a permanently red girl with strong opinions and extremely big knickers.
Fiona's diverse writing portfolio also includes a gritty gangland biography, showcasing her versatility and storytelling prowess.
Prof Philip Sugarman
Non-Fiction
NHS-trained forensic psychiatrist Prof. Philip Sugarman transformed St Andrew’s, Northampton, into a UK national teaching hospital and leading secure care provider during his tenure as CEO and Medical Director.
Renowned for his academic excellence and career achievements, Philip serves as a Trustee of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and has held leadership roles at Home-Start UK and Orbis Multi-Academy Trust.
Collaborating with prestigious institutions like Oxford, King’s, and McKinsey, his research spans mental health and includes books on fire-setting and secure care.
Philip's diverse writings encompass research dissertations, political editorials, and unpublished fiction.
Sue Temple
crafter
Since retiring, Sue has immersed herself in the joy of crafting, finding inspiration in every material at her fingertips.
A truly gifted craftswoman, Sue eagerly explores new techniques and excels in a diverse range of forms.
Sue's crafting journey began with paperback books, where she discovered a knack for transforming their pages into delightful creations such as hedgehogs and intricate flowers.
Sue's passion for learning and creating continues to grow, making her a vibrant part of the crafting community as she shares her love for handmade artistry with others.
Sue Upton
FICTION
Sue Upton, author of the Young Adult trilogy "Paper Boats & Butterflies," blends adventure with dystopian themes.
Sue's new novel, "Hearsay," aimed at adults, spans World War I, 19th and 20th-century Paris, and 1980s UK, all linked by an enigmatic chess set.
A former English and drama teacher, Sue enriches her narratives with thorough research.
Beyond writing, Sue has crafted educational materials, has run a successful tutoring business, and is a vibrant figure in the literary community.
As director of Olney WordFest and organiser of the Olney Writing Group, Sue inspires budding writers and readers alike through workshops and events.
Sue Watson
Artist
Sue Watson's academic journey took an unconventional path, culminating in her graduation from Northampton University in 2001 with a Fine Art degree.
Inspired by her passion for creativity and community, Sue established a not-for-profit organization post-graduation, devoted to organizing and facilitating creative workshops.
As a skilled Printmaker, Sue has dedicated herself to perfecting her craft and exploring various forms of artistic expression.
Even in retirement, Sue continues to create artwork that reflects her deep-seated commitment to the arts and community engagement.
Sue's journey exemplifies a lifelong dedication to fostering creativity and connecting with others through the transformative power of art.
Dr James Wright
HISTORY
Meet James Wright (Triskele Heritage), an award-winning buildings archaeologist with two decades of experience.
James has explored cellars, attics, and gardens to uncover medieval life, and has led major projects at iconic sites such as the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster, Southwark Cathedral, Knole in Kent, King John’s Palace in Nottinghamshire, St Mary’s in Warwick, and Tattershall Castle.
James is the author of the popular Medieval Mythbusting Blog, with his book "Historic Building Mythbusting" released in June, 2024.
Don't miss this chance to hear from a true expert in the field!
©Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.