What others have said about Phil Olsen’s writing
A selection of quotes from contest judges’ feedback, critics’ reviews and course tutor comments on Phil’s short fiction.
“I chose ‘Red Eye Reduction’ to be the overall winner because the story managed to combine so many elements with apparently so little effort. Structuring the narrative around the entirely visualisable but oddly abstract activity which is computer picture editing, the writer was able to handle characterisation while pulling in the other thematic strands with humour and panache.”
—Helen Lynch, Book Week Scotland 2014 competition judge, author and lecturer at University of Aberdeen.
“Satirical and humorous in tone, Olsen has a real gift for creating empathetic and believable characters.”
—Sarah Schofield, Introduction to Threads: Short Stories by New Liverpool Writers.
“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.
“Phil Olsen’s The Chat Room was perhaps the most intriguing work of the night; a surreal, Lynch-lite short journey into an unusual town. How does Joy know Ike’s favourite dish, even though he’s never been in her café before? What caused the mysterious craters that Harlowe (TV actor David Lonsdale, best known for Heartbeat) is giggling about over his daily toastie? It was well-realised, funny, a little disorienting, and the pay-off was satisfying.”
—Vicky Anderson, reviewing ‘It’s Play Time’ for Made Up Liverpool.
“Very funny characters, dialogue and descriptions – I could smell the sea air.”
—Bill Dawson, ‘Scriptwriting for Film and TV’ lecturer, University of Liverpool.
“This story is wonderfully strange, imaginative, and engaging. I loved how there is this sense that everything is both familiar and unfamiliar at once—how you were able to make the familiar strange. It is a good feeling to have as a reader!
The opening paragraph is marvelously hallucinatory, and you do excellent work creating a believable alternate world.”
—NYC Midnight judge (Final Round), Short Story Challenge 2019
“This story was extremely enjoyable to read. It was witty and genuinely funny; the office environment and conflict didn’t need much explanation, leaving the author room to dedicate most of the story to the hilarious micro-aggressions of the Plan B team. The author has a good handle on comedic pacing and shifting time; transitions occured naturally throughout.”
—NYC Midnight judge (Round 1), Short Story Challenge 2018
What others have said about Phil Olsen’s teaching
Feedback from creative writing workshop participants and short course students.
Feedback from LiverpOulipo: word play by the rules, a two-day Summer School workshop (University of Liverpool Continuing Education programme, 22–23 July 2025)
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“Thank you so much for a wonderful experience. Phil, your creativity was infectious and inspiring. I have come away with a wealth of knowledge. Crafting my stories and drawings into beautiful nonsensical art.
Many thanks and eternal gratitude.”
– Michelle
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“I just wanted to say thank you very much for the LiverpOulipo course this week. I enjoyed it, though I found aspects of it challenging (in a positive way).
It left me feeling inspired and motivated (which was the main reason I attended). I thought it was a really good mix of different exercises and the opportunity to ask questions and hear about your writing experiences.
I was a bit worried I’d get fidgety, or lose concentration, as I’m not used to sitting still all day, or classroom type environments, but I was captivated!
I liked your relaxed delivery style and the pace of the course worked well. The group was great too, everyone was supportive and encouraging. I was quite apprehensive and anxious about attending, but you and the group quickly put me at ease.”
– Caroline
Feedback from Flash Fiction: Short Shorts and Restrictive Briefs evening course students (University of Liverpool Continuing Education programme, Feb – April 2025)
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“Fantastic course, Phil! You know what it’s about, engaging students…” – Waltraud
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“Thanks for delivering the course – I really enjoyed it. And it finally gave me the confidence to put pen to paper!” – Eve
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“I’d like to say thank you to you for creating such an inspiring and comfortable space in which we could all contribute and interact. I really enjoyed it and learnt so much.” – Elaine
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“Thanks very much for the course. I really enjoyed it. It came at a busy time for me so I didn’t get to do a lot outside of class, but I’ve taken a lot from it and will hopefully put it into practice soon!” – Sam
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“I enjoyed it. Thanks for a great course.” – Mark
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“The course was brilliant thanks, and thanks for tolerating my enthusiasm. I am slowly gathering together my shorts/flashes together to see what’s next.” – Peter
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“Thanks a lot for giving me the confidence! I think it’d be great to stay in touch, and have other people to share work with” – Josh
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“Just wanted to say thank you for a great course. Kat and I got a lot out of it.” – Col
Feedback from Floral Civilians creative writing workshop at District House, New Brighton (Sat 28 June 2025).
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“10/10 – very informative. Phil is so friendly and welcoming. Really enjoyed this.”
“Really enjoyed it. Very easy to understand. And enjoyed writing and sharing.”
“I really enjoyed this short course. It stimulated my thought processes.”
Feedback from L20 Hub workshop delivered at Netherton Library on Mon 7 April 2025.
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“Hi Phil, it was an excellent session. The group engaged brilliantly. Thanks again for taking the time out to speak to the group.”
– John McDonald, Youth & Community Coordinator at the L20 Hub.