“A highly original and superbly crafted story, humorous in style while challenging in its themes. Ideas on life, death and time are woven expertly throughout the story, giving the humour depth and a sense of poignancy.”
—Emma Segar, ‘Writing Novels and Short Stories’ lecturer, University of Liverpool
Courses and qualifications
Creative Writing MA, Centre for New Writing, The University of Manchester
Creative Writing MA (Merit)
Between 2015-17, Phil studied part-time at the University of Manchester’s Centre for New Writing. He participated in prose fiction workshops with lecturers Geoff Ryman, Ian McGuire and Jeanette Winterson. He took critical theory modules in Contemporary Fiction, and Forms of Writing, and was part of a reading group hosted by Jeanette Winterson. Guest industry visits included masterclasses with Kevin Barry and David Gaffney and feedback from writer-in-residence Emma Jane Unsworth.
Comma Press Short Story Course at Bluecoat, Liverpool
Comma Press Short Story Course with Sarah Schofield
Between January – June 2016 Phil participated in a series of monthly workshops, taught by Comma Press author Sarah Schofield, which explored epical, lyrical, and artifice stories.
He was also invited by Bluecoat to write a series of guest blogs for the duration of the course, covering the six sessions for the website. Phil’s blogs were additionally published on the Comma Press website and used to promote subsequent short story courses around the country.
Scriptwriting for Film and TV, University of Liverpool
‘Scriptwriting for Film and TV’ 20 week continuing education course, 2013-14
Phil wrote a 30 minute screenplay ‘Second Class Coast’.
“Very funny characters, dialogue and descriptions – I could smell the sea air.”
—Bill Dawson, lecturer, University of Liverpool.
Writing Novels and Short Stories, University of Liverpool
‘Writing Novels and Short Stories’ 20 week continuing education course, 2012-13
Phil was taught by Emma Segar and his submitted short story ‘Time Piece’ was awarded 80%.
Scriptwriting for Radio and TV, University of Liverpool
‘Scriptwriting for Radio and TV’ 20 week continuing education course, 2011-12
Phil was taught by screenwriter Linda Miller and wrote a 30 minute radio play ‘Lost and Found’.
Creative Advertising BA (Hons), University of Central Lancashire
First class degree in Creative Advertising
For his undergraduate degree Phil specialised in both Art Direction and Copywriting.
Since graduating he has gained nearly fifteen years’ experience in arts marketing. He has written and edited brochures, press releases and web copy working for high profile organisations and institutions including Tate Liverpool, Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Bluecoat, The University of Manchester and University of Liverpool.
Professional experience
Co-Editor and Fiction Editor of The Manchester Anthology 2017
One of three editors of The Manchester Anthology 2017 as well as fiction editor
Phil’s short story ‘Lorem Ipsum’ also features in the collection of fiction of poetry by Centre for New Writing master’s students. The anthology features a foreword by award-winning science fiction author Geoff Ryman.
Proofreader of The Manchester Anthology 2016
Part of the wider editorial team for The Manchester Anthology 2016.
Phil proofread fiction submissions by fellow Creative Writing MA students.
A book launch for The Manchester Anthology 2016 was hosted at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation on Thursday 8 September 2016.
Story writer for ‘Shoot Liverpool: A Novel Adventure’
Wrote the script for ‘Shoot Liverpool: A Novel Adventure’, June 2009
Phil collaborated with London-based Shoot Experience to create an interactive photography event at Liverpool’s Bluecoat.
He scripted a story which sent participants off around the city centre, capturing segments of the tale with their cameras. The event culminated in an exhibition of photographs at Open Eye Gallery.
Writing festivals and conferences
- Edge Hill Festival of Ideas 2019 (including Chris Power and Tessa Hadley)
- Cork International Short Story Festival 2019 (including Julian Barnes and Kevin Barry)
- Flash Fiction Festival 2018, Bristol + 2017, Bath
- Man Booker 50 Festival at the Southbank Centre, 2018, London (including Kazuo Ishiguro)
- Greenwich Book Festival 2018, London
- Northern Short Story Festival 2019, 18, 17 + 16, Leeds
- Writing on the Wall’s WoWFest, 2019, 18 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 09 + 08, Liverpool
- Manchester Literature Festival, 2019, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13 + 12
- National Creative Writing Graduate Fair 2018, 17 + 16, Manchester
- Place Writing Festival 2017, Manchester
- Northern Lights Writers’ Conference 2017, Sale
- London Short Story Festival 2015 + 14 (including a Toby Litt masterclass in 2015)
- Bristol Festival of Ideas 2013 (including George Saunders)
- In Other Words Literary Festival 2013, Liverpool
- Chapter & Verse Literature Festival, Bluecoat, 2011, 10, 09 + 08, Liverpool
Copywriting and Marketing Conferences
- Copywriting Conference 2019, Barbican, London
- Content>>Ed Conference 2019, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
- Content>>Ed Conference 2018, 30 Euston Square, London
- Communications and Marketing Conference 2017 + 2018, The University of Manchester
- Copywriting Conference 2017, The Crystal, London
- Arts Marketing Association (AMA) conference 2010, Curve Theatre, Leicester
- Arts Marketing Association (AMA) conference 2009, Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds