Helen Boden

I am a poet and educator, based on the edge of Edinburgh. A former University Lecturer in English and Scottish Literature, I have worked as an independent literature professional since 2003, running creative writing courses, workshops and groups, and providing private mentoring, editorial and reading services.
 
I hold certificates in Counselling Skills and in Mindfulness, and am a professional member of the National Association of Writers in Education. I am widely published in poetry magazines and anthologies, and author of critical articles on 18th and 19th century poetry, women's writing, autobiography, travel writing, contemporary Scottish literature and culture.
My first poetry collection, A Landscape to Figure In, was published by Red Squirrel Press in 2021.
 
I regularly feature at invited poetry readings and open mics, and festivals and conferences. I have extensive experience of designing and delivering creative writing activities across a wide range of educational, cultural, community, healthcare and environmental settings, including with school and college students, reading groups, carers, health service providers and users, minority ethnic groups and refugees.
 
My particular interests are:
 
•       Writing for wellbeing
•       Writing and visual arts
•       Placeful writing, writing outdoors, writing and active travel
•       Collaborative poetry: creating collective work with groups