Selso Xisto
Position at LWC: Chair
Career background: I worked in London as a creative producer for 20 years, writing, editing and directing promos and commercials for TV before moving into motion graphic design. I’m now lead motion designer for a global company creating animation for TV and online advertising.
Why you joined LWC: I joined at the start of 2023 but feel like I’ve been looking for a group like this my whole life! I was looking to find a community of fellow writers to belong to and a place to get useful feedback on my work.
What you like about LWC: I feel like I’ve finally found my tribe: people who love reading and writing as much as me and have a vast range of ideas and experience to share. I love the diversity of backgrounds and tastes in the Circle.
Currently writing: Editing and revising my second novel, a speculative fiction epic about immortality and the end of the world. Just started work on my third.
Published: Self-published my first novel in 2012. I reached the semi finals of the Kindle Book Review’s ‘Best Indie Books of 2012’ and (very) briefly flirted with the top ten UK sci-fi chart on Amazon.
What you enjoy reading: Mostly science fiction and other forms of speculative fiction.
Favourite Writers: Ian M Banks, China Miéville, Peter F Hamilton, Neal Stephenson, Douglas Adams, Arthur C Clarke, Greg Bear, Stephen Baxter. I’m also obsessed with the amazing graphic novel series ‘Saga’ by Brian K Vaughan and Fiona Staples.
Favourite Quote: “Anyone who thinks one book has all the answers hasn’t read enough books.” Brian K. Vaughan, Saga, Volume 6.
Lucie Warrington
Position at LWC: Deputy Chair
Career background: Client Services / Producer – software, interactive, film
Why you joined LWC: To kickstart an idea for a novel (which I finished then put in a drawer!)
What you like about LWC: Encouragement, inspiration, advice, support, introduction to different genres, laughter, friendship, variety in age and interests of our members, and our pre and post-meeting pub visits.
Currently writing: A ‘whydunnnit’ novel
Published: Part of my teenage diaries in ‘Cringe’ published by Michael O’Mara Books. Hoping for something less embarrassing and more substantial in the future.
What you enjoy reading: Fiction from 20th century onwards, a bit of sci fi, a bit of fantasy, a bit of crime, a bit of literary.
Favourite Writers: Maggie O’Farrell, Ted Hughes, Dannie Abse, Anne Michaels, Frank O’Hara, Douglas Adams, Milan Kundera, Richard Yates, Kate Morton, Kate Atkinson
Favourite Quote: “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Epictetus.
Miriam Moss
Position at LWC: Groups Coordinator
Career background: Have Masters in Psychology and am currently completing a Legal Practice Course at University of Law in Leeds.
Why you joined LWC: I needed to give my writing a push – too staccato in the past and unsatisfactory.
What you like about LWC: A special shout out for the Saturday Short Story group. A wonderful bunch of creative individuals, who offer the perfect blend of conviviality and constructive criticism. What more can any writer want?!
Currently writing: I have a plethora of short stories that are in urgent need of editing.
Published: I have had a couple of stories published courtesy of completing two Comma Press short story courses and another couple via another year long course I did ending in March 2021.
What you enjoy reading: Horror and science fiction mainly. Very occasional dip into literary fiction.
Favourite Writers: Douglas Adams, Jasper Fforde
Favourite Quote: “The first ten million years were the worst. And the second ten million: they were the worst, too. The third ten million I didn’t enjoy at all. After that, I went into a bit of a decline.” Marvin the Paranoid Android from the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series. Also “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.’ Douglas Adams.
Bob Hamilton
Position at LWC: Website and Internal Comms
Career background: Software designer and developer, from computer games, to image databases to public health systems.
Why you joined LWC: I came along as a guest to a manuscript evening and got well and truly hooked.
What you like about LWC: The opportunity to mix with a diverse group of people, all sharing a love of writing, of every different kind, and looking to improve. There is an art to constructive critique and I learn more with every meeting. The Circle has encouraged me to develop a far more discerning critical eye to my own writing.
Currently writing: Working on ‘that’ first novel, the writing of which you dare not mention to friends and family—for fear of them asking how it’s going or what it’s about, questions I find difficult to answer. First draft completed, much better, much shorter second draft almost finished, still editing and cutting, cutting, cutting, getting ever more ruthless in the execution of my darlings.
Published: A long time ago, in 1990, Earthdream by Green Books, a book of eco-philosophy. Relatively recently, a short story in ‘Here Comes Everyone’ magazine. More recently, in 2022, Offcumdens by Fair Acre Press, a book of my photography combined with poetry from fellow Circle member, Emma Storr.
What you enjoy reading: Literary novels. Novels of ideas. Great stories.
Favourite Writers: Robertson Davies, Álvaro Mutis, William Trevor. Too many.
Favourite Quote: “There is absolutely no point in sitting down to write a book unless you feel that you must write that book, or else go mad, or die.” Robertson Davies.
Alex Offer
Position at LWC: Competition Coordinator
Career background: Day to Day: Practised as a barrister for 20 years – judicial review, housing, criminal law, human rights law. Currently full time parent and house husband. Extra Curricular: Gardening, two large Siberian cats, cooking and eating good food.
Why you joined LWC: To learn from others, share ideas and have other people who understand why I want to talk about plots, blocks and agents.
What you like about LWC: It’s a community of friends, a great chance to learn and a support group all in one.
Currently writing: The final volume of my fantasy trilogy.
Published: Nothing yet! I am going to try once I’ve finished it.
What you enjoy reading: All sorts. Fantasy, Sci-Fi, 19th century novels, history of all sorts.
Favourite Writers: J.R.R. Tolkein, Jane Austen, Tolstoy, Douglas Adams, Jose Saramago, Heinrich Boll, Dario Fo, Bertolt Brecht, Patricia McKillip, Ursula LeGuin, Terry Pratchett.
Favourite Quote: “‘I told you!’ shouted Ford, leaping to his feet. ‘Eddies in the space-time continuum!’ ‘And this is his sofa, is it?’ asked Arthur.” Douglas Adams.
Ellie Adams
Position at LWC: Carriageworks Liaison
Career background: I’ve worked in education for the past fifteen years. After spending two years teaching in international schools in China, I taught in primary schools in London and then became the Head of English in a large international school in Chile. Since returning to the UK I’ve been working for an education company developing their professional development programme for schools.
Why you joined LWC: I was looking for a writing group to help me navigate the writing process and to help me establish a more regular writing habit. I came along to my first manuscript meeting and was so impressed by the standard of writing – and by the depth and range of feedback given.
What you like about LWC: How many lovely people I’ve met! Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. I feel like I’ve found like-minded people and I’ve learned so much about the writing industry and local events from the informal chats in the Nation of Shopkeepers.
Currently writing: I’m almost at the end of the first draft of a novel, although I’ve taken a pause from that at the moment to write some short stories.
Published: Nothing to declare. One day, maybe!
What you enjoy reading: Contemporary fiction and love character heavy plots.
Favourite Writers: More than favourite writers, I have favourite books: Leaving the Atocha Station by Ben Lerner, The Thought Gang by Tibor Fischer, Anil’s Ghost by Michael Ondaatje and We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver.
Favourite Quote: “It takes an awful lot of time to not write a book.” Douglas Adams and “I only write when I am inspired. Fortunately I am inspired at 9 o’clock every morning.” William Faulkner.
Past Committee Member Profiles
Rachel Scrutton
Previously held position at LWC: Workshop Coordinator
Career background: I am an Archaeological Consultant working in the UK Planning industry. I have worked on some major projects in the UK, including HS2 and very much enjoy what I do!
Why you joined LWC: I joined the Circle around September 2022. I was looking for some inspiration and encouragement in creative writing and have certainly found that with the community at the LWC.
What you like about LWC: I enjoy talking to like minded writers, discussing the broad range of work people are creating and exchanging feedback and ideas.
Currently writing: I am attempting to start my first book. It is historical fiction-ish.
Published: I have not (yet!) published any creative writing but I have published academic articles in the past.
What you enjoy reading: Historical fiction, fantasy, classics (I’m working my way through Pride and Prejudice for the first time), some science fiction.
Favourite Writers: Philippa Gregory, Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, and many others I’m sure!
Favourite Quote: “Fiction is the truth inside the lie.” Stephen King.
Linda Fulton
Previously held position at LWC: Groups Coordinator
Career background: Assistant Head of a Leeds Primary School until I left to take up a place on the ‘MA in Writing’ course at Sheffield Hallam University, with a focus on short story.
Why you joined LWC: After the MA I knew I’d need to find a group where I’d continue to receive insightful, constructive criticism. One night, travelling home on the train from Sheffield with fellow student Suzanne McArdle, she invited me to join LWC. Thanks Suzanne.
What you like about LWC: I appreciate the friendship and encouragement I receive from LWC and especially the support from the Short Story and Womag groups. I absolutely love reading the work of others and never get fed up of critiquing, even when short stories are piling up for attention (Mmm. Looks like there may be a bit of teacher still lurking in me. Spare us all!). I also enjoy listening to the wonderful poets at LWC and thinking that perhaps one day …
Currently writing: I’m nearing the end of a second collection of short stories, this time linked. And I am frequently distracted by writing Yorkshire themed stories, which hopefully should make up a third. Somewhere in my files is half a second novel awaiting a dusting down too (Note to self: focus!). I am also revisiting and revising my short and long listed competition entries. It’s amazing what you find can be improved, even years later.
Published: Green Lady Blues: a short story prize winner in Writers’ Forum Magazine (Title story from collection one). Seven Easter Eggs: a short story published in Matter Magazine, an annual publication. And a self-published novel (Under a pseudonym. Wise move!).
What you enjoy reading: Literary novels, contemporary and classic short story collections and poetry.
Favourite Writers: Elizabeth Strout, Alice Munro, Barbara Kingsolver, Philip Roth, Evelyn Waugh, Aldous Huxley, Colin Barratt, Kevin Barry, John Cheever and William Trevor.
Favourite Quote: I am tempted to quote something worthy from Barack Obama, but the writerly quote that always comes to mind is from Ernest Hemingway: ‘The only kind of writing is rewriting.’
Emma Storr
Previously held position at LWC: Competitions coordinator
Career background: Social Anthropology degree – boring and disappointing. Medical degree – mostly excellent. GP and Clinical Lecturer.
Why you joined LWC: I met a member of LWC who encouraged me to join. I have always enjoyed writing and wanted to meet other writers who would give me encouragement and critical feedback on my work.
What you like about LWC: That there are writers of different genres, backgrounds and ages. Members are thoughtful and kind in their comments on the writing discussed, but also honest and critical in a constructive way. It’s a very supportive group, and fun.
Currently writing: Poetry, short stories and poetry reviews.
Published: Poems in the Hippocrates Anthologies 2016 and 2018. Strix Magazines 2, 3 and 4. First poetry pamphlet Heart Murmur published by Calder Valley Poetry, 2019. First full poetry collection The Year of Two Winters published by Indigo Dreams, 2023. Also, in 2022, another collection of poetry, Offcumdens published by Fair Acre Press, where each poem was complemented by a black and white photograph from fellow Circle member, Bob Hamilton.
What you enjoy reading: Novels, biography, poetry.
Favourite Writers: Elizabeth Strout, Rose Tremain, Arnold Bennett, Imtiaz Dharker, Philip Gross, the Metaphysical Poets.
Favourite Quote: “words …belong to several of the senses at once, as if each one had eyes, ears and tongue, or ears and fingers and a body to move with. It is this little goblin in the word which is its life and its poetry, and it is this goblin which the poet has to have under control.” Ted Hughes, Poetry in the Making.
Pat Belford
Previously held position at LWC: President.
Pat is sadly no longer with us. She’s remembered here.
Career background: Primary School Teacher. Children`s Author. Creative Writing tutor for Children`s Fiction.
Why you joined LWC: I joined around 20 years ago, intrigued to know more about this group which had been in existence since the 1920s, and to meet other writers.
What you like about LWC: Meeting writers of all genres, exchanging ideas, encouraging others in their writing. Love the diversity!
Currently writing: Short stories for women`s magazines. Fiction for young children.
Published: Nine children`s books. Libretto for ten musical plays for children. A Victorian fantasy for children for television.
What you enjoy reading: Jane Austen, women`s fiction, Victorian, Scandi and modern crime.
Favourite Writers: Jane Austen, Anthony Trollope, the Brontes, Helen Dunmore, Ian McKeown, Susan Hill, Peter Robinson.
Favourite Quote: “I lingered round them under the benign sky; watched the moths fluttering among the heath and harebells, listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass, and wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth.” Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights.
Graeme Hall
Previously held position at LWC: Treasurer
Career background: A physics degree followed by 30 years in Intellectual Property law, then retirement to write that novel (Mid-life crisis? What mid-life crisis?). Currently studying for a MA in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Why you joined LWC: Looking for somewhere to share, learn and enjoy the company of like-minded people.
What you like about LWC: Going to the pub afterwards (oh, and the helpful, positive, supportive criticism).
Currently writing: Novels and short stories.
Published: I’ve had short stories published in a number of anthologies, and won prizes at the Ilkley Literature Festival and the Macau Literary Festival. I’ve also had stories published online by Litro Online. My first collection of short stories The Goddess of Macau was published by Fly on the Wall Press in 2021. My first novel On Borrowed Time came out in 2022.
What you enjoy reading: Fiction in all genres: sometimes the latest Booker winner, other times a bit of Scandinoir crime. Also non-fiction, especially on music and History.
Favourite Writers: David Mitchell, Yrsa Sigurdardóttir, Simon Armitage
Favourite Quote: “Think how you love me,” she whispered. “I don’t ask you to love me always like this, but I ask you to remember. Somewhere inside me there’ll always be the person I am to-night.” F Scott Fitzgerald, Tender is the Night.
Su Ryder
Previously held position at LWC: Carriageworks Liaison.
Career background: At school I was an “Arts” person, opting more for visual than literary arts. I did a Foundation Course in Art and Design, but I chickened out of applying for a degree. In 1985, I took a 3-month maternity-cover admin job with a Government department. Still working for them 34 years later.
Why you joined LWC: I love to write. I value the opinions and feedback of other writers, and I enjoy their company.
What you like about LWC: They are a great bunch of creative, talented people and they have taught me a lot.
Currently writing: Short Fiction and Poetry. I have recently started doing Open Mic!
Published: I had five lines of poetry published in Strix (a Saboteur-Award nominated magazine), my first success, followed by the publication of further poems in a number of separate anthologies.
What you enjoy reading: Crime Fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, poetry. Fiction and non-fiction about mysterious things.
Favourite Writers: Douglas Adams, Kazuo Ishiguro, Stephen King, and all LWC members.
Favourite Quote: The whole of ‘Desiderata’ by Max Ehrmann
Pat Pickavance
Previously held position at LWC: Deputy Chair
Career background: Teacher, Open University tutor, actor/performer, charity administrator, council housing team leader, simulated patient. Mother of many.
Why you joined LWC: After years of imposter syndrome I started taking myself seriously as a writer. I came looking for fellow writers to share my work.
What you like about LWC: Encouraging, friendly atmosphere.
Currently writing: Novel: What If…
Published: Not yet…
What you enjoy reading: Literary novels (all eras), Booker prize winners, pacy thrillers, well-written cookery books, plays, news. Owt good.
Favourite Writers: Donna Tartt (I wish I’d written The Goldfinch), Ali Smith, Ian McKewan, Graham Swift, Natasha Pulley, Annie Proulx, Andrea Levy, Jane Gardam, AS Byatt, Hilary Mantel, Davis Grubb (who? … wrote The Night of the Hunter, which I also wish I’d written).
Favourite Quote: “A story is what remains when you leave out most of the Action.” Russell Hoban, Pilgermann.
Gill Osborne
Previously held position at LWC: Secretary
Career background: Finance director (education), now semi-retired/self-employed consultant/writer (a self-imposed commitment of at least fifteen hours a week).
Why you joined LWC: I joined four years ago, to dare myself to share my scribblings and improve by learning from others. Best decision I’ve ever made.
What you like about LWC: Encouragement, honest feedback, laughter, friendship in a wonderfully diverse group, ages ranging from 20s to 90s. For me, LWC is better than any writing course.
Currently writing: Novels and short stories, women’s genre.
Published: Two short stories in The People’s Friend, one in Scribble magazine, two short-listed in the Writer’s Bureau and Henshaw Press competitions.
What you enjoy reading: Contemporary novels, short stories, memoir, how to write books, the Guardian.
Favourite Writers: Anne Tyler, Colm Toibin, Elizabeth Strout.
Favourite Quote: “If I waited ‘til I felt like writing, I’d never write at all.” Anne Tyler.
Caroline Humes
Previously held position at LWC: Workshops Coordinator
Career background: My background is in science. For many years I worked as a Radiation Protection Adviser advising on protection for those working with radioactive material and X-rays.
Why you joined LWC: I wanted a forum for getting my work critiqued and for critiquing others’ in return. It’s essential to have other eyes looking at your work. I also just wanted to reach out to my local writing community and become more involved.
What you like about LWC: The sense of community is the thing I like best. The people are so welcoming, and they are knowledgeable too. If you are serious about improving your writing then this is the place to be.
Currently writing: I am a huge science fiction and fantasy fan, and I write science fiction. At present I’m writing short stories but I will start a novel soon.
Published: My short story ‘Your Turn to Bat’ was published in the CafeLit online magazine in August 2018.
What you enjoy reading: Most genres of fiction, including literary, as I believe it is important to read both inside and outside the genre you’re writing.
Favourite Writers: No authors in particular but my favourite genres are military science fiction, epic fantasy, space opera and steampunk.
Favourite Quote: “If you think this Universe is bad, you should see some of the others.” Philip K. Dick.
Leeds Writers Circle 