Tell us about yourself
I completed an M.A at Swansea University in Creative Writing in 2023 and have continued to write as much as I can since then. Last year I was published in Mslexia and Nation Cymru, and now I’ve got a poem in Poetry Wales too; I’ve really benefitted from some great teaching.
I wanted to start a radio show so that other people could benefit from lots of tips and teaching from great writers, in the same way that I had.
I am also a founder of Llantwit Major’s Arts festival, These3Streams. I enjoy bringing great writers to our town, as well as helping to develop what is on offer to local writers, or those thinking about writing. It’s been great to watch this event grow, and we’re already planning 2026’s festival.
What is your Creative First?
My creative first is creating a radio show for writers in the Vale and beyond. I went on a course, which Bro Radio were running, to encourage people in the Vale of Glamorgan to get involved with their local radio station. The course was great, and I really enjoyed learning all about how to put a radio show together.
I knew I wanted to create a programme where writers at any stage of their career could listen to a range of authors, publishers and performers talking about writing.
I was lucky enough to be able to develop this idea into a monthly radio show called ‘First Draft’. It airs on the last Thursday of the month on Bro Radio at 7pm.
What was the biggest challenge that you faced in that process?
The biggest challenge for me is always the same: time. I am a teacher, Mum and writer myself, so fitting everything in is a challenge. I’m lucky as there is a radio studio in Llantwit Major, and everyone who has been on the show has been flexible about when they can be interviewed, so that has helped a lot.
Do you have any tips for people wanting to work in the creative industries?
Firstly, I think that it’s important to go to events and creative groups, whether it’s online or in person to begin to build a network of people in the same field. There are lots of events that are free, and your local library is a great place to start. Almost everyone I’ve interviewed on the show so far have been people I have met at events.
Secondly, think about how you can help support other people in the field you’re interested in. If the creative industries are booming, then everyone wins.
Why choose the Vale of Glamorgan for your creative first?
The Vale of Glamorgan is such a creative place, with an arts scene which is really taking off. Bro Radio is based in the Vale and is led with a real focus on community, when many other stations are being centralised. Living in the Vale means that the success of the arts here really matters to me, and I want to share the experience of those in the literary world to help develop local creative communities.
What can we expect from you next?
In terms of First Draft, I’m continuing to broaden the genres of writing discussed to include non-fiction, more publishers and performers as well as inviting local authors to share their work.
In my own writing, I’m working on a project called ‘In conversation with ancient landscapes’ in collaboration with ten artists on the theme of standing stones, so that’s exciting. The project will be exhibited at the Turner House Gallery in 2026.
It’s an exciting time!
