Anita John

I'm a prize-winning poet, short story writer, playwright and creative writing tutor, running workshops on all aspects of creative writing from characterisation to rhythm and rhyme. I also enjoy performing my own work.

Since 2017 I have written drama with Playwrights' Studio Scotland and worked as writer in residence for RSPB Scotland Loch Leven, writing a regular blog and running wildlife writing workshops for the reserve. My poetry and prose is widely published in anthologies, online and in magazines throughout Scotland. My scripts have been performed at TalkFest in the Borders, Borders Pub Theatre and at the inaugural DunsPlayFest.

I've run writing workshops for Edinburgh University's Office of Lifelong Learning, the Eastgate Theatre, RSPB Scotland, Abbotsford House (the former home of Sir Walter Scott), and schools and libraries in the Scottish Borders.

Landscape and nature inspire much of my writing, as do family and inter-generational relationships. I'm interested in the point where things change whether this be seasonal change or the result of a life-changing event such as bereavement. Other writing credentials include a Creative Writing Masters Degree from Edinburgh University, Borders Showcase Poet selection by the Scottish Poetry Library and CABN, and Playwrights' Studio Scotland selection in 2018. (Photo credit: Kevin Greenfield)