Riddle
from Oracle Bones 

With the dawn I arise, but die in the night
My body feeds on the flowing of light
My shadow is cast shining with joy
A pool of amber, pearl and amethyst.

Workshops

James has considerable experience as a creative writing tutor, both with groups and individuals, and is noted for his friendly and insightful guidance.

He has led five-day residential poetry workshops at the Arvon Foundation (Totleigh, Devon, UK) and has been a Visiting Writer at  the Universities of Lancaster and the West of England.

He initiated and runs poetry appreciation workshops at the annual Strokestown International Poetry Festival.

He currently facilitates a weekly poetry workshop at the Munster Literature Centre in Cork, and runs a monthly creative writing workshop in Bantry.
 

Tutoring

James is available for critiquing individual poems and manuscripts, and conducting one-to-one tutorials, either via email or, if practicable, in person. He adopts a positive, encouraging approach, trying to find a poet’s strengths as a basis for further development.
 

Adjudication

Judging experience ranges from the Strokestown International Poetry Prize to a local competition run by  Exeter Cathedral.