What's Method Writing about?
Hello and thanks for visiting! Method Writing all about the craft of writing and sharing practical techniques. If you're interested in creative writing, deliberate practice, and developing your craft skills as effectively as possible, this is for you.
I’m Jules Horne, a writer and creative writing tutor from Scotland. I work across creative writing and commercial writing, and I’m also an independent author-publisher, and publish writing craft books.
When I started writing professionally, I became aware of a need to combine bring the inspiration and stimulus authors gain from creative writing workshops, and the practical, focused skills you need to make writing a career.
I trained as a BBC journalist and learned professional skills on the job. Creative successes include two Edinburgh Fringe Firsts for my stage plays, and several plays for BBC Radio. I've also written an immersive augmented reality (AR) community play and song lyrics. So a wide range of writing jobs!
On the teaching side, I have 13 years’ teaching experience with The Open University, where I co-wrote the MA in Creative Writing (Script). I’ve worked as an associate playwright with Playwrights’ Studio Scotland, and advocated for the creative industries with the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain. I'm a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Writing for my life
Like most writers, I grew up devouring books from an early age. A fabulous primary teacher, John Stables, introduced me to writing plays and stories. I've never looked back.
Words have always been part of my life. I started early with Dr Seuss, learning Scots language poetry by heart, followed by hobbits, Mervyn Peake and school drama. Then I did a German degree at Oxford University, followed by jobs as a translator and radio journalist in Germany and Switzerland. Then it was back to Britain and journalism with the BBC.
Through my media work, I learned a robust editing process and a love for the rhythms of spoken language, as well as a sense of comedy, and an appreciation of deadlines! But I wish someone had sat me down years ago, and given me straight professional advice about writing.
This site brings together some of my discoveries and tools from the different writing professions. Most can be used in any kind of writing.
If you’re interested in honing your writing craft and learning techniques to level up, welcome on board!
Writing, teaching and technology
How writers learn their craft is changing fast. Writing is increasingly professionalised, with more and more students gaining creative writing degrees and MFAs.
Technology is advancing even faster. The digital revolution has reinvigorated the written word, and democratised publication. Data science is revealing astonishing insights into language. At the same time, AI is challenging the frontiers of creativity. The publishing and media landscape has changed beyond recognition.
Method Writing is interested in the evolving world of writing, craft and creativity, and sustainable livelihoods for writers.
Find out about my first online course here: Deliberate Practice for Creative Writers.
Follow the link to join my Method Writing mailing list, or email me direct: info[at]method-writing.com
Best wishes for your writing,
Jules