CLS Connections - Writing & Publishing
Writing & Publishing
Wed 4 February, 14:30-16:00
Room tbc Book here
Chair:
Chris O'Connor, he/him
Writer
BA English & Philosophy( 2010), MA Writing For Performance & Publication (2011). University of Leeds
My job in 50 words:
I am a professional playwright and have written for organisations such as the Leeds Playhouse, BBC Radio and Red Ladder. My writing has ranged from topics such as the IRA to suicide to comedy sketches. I have a new play, Through it All Together, premiering at Leeds Playhouse June 2025. I always aim to write stories that challenge opinions and make people see things differently.
My top tip:
Embrace rejection, use it as fuel. Imagine you can only get to a 'yes' after twenty 'no's'. Each 'no' gets you closer to where you want to be.
Three things to ask me about:
1. Working in the arts
2. Becoming freelance
3. Becoming a writer
Social Media
https://chris-oconnor.co.uk/
Lauren Kara, she/her
Freelance doing poetry and music
Job description: My freelance, self employed job is working as a poet visiting schools, sharing my story and poetry/music to inspire children and young people to give poetry a chance.
My top tip: Always be yourself, remembering your WHY and give yourself grace.
Three things to ask me:
1. How did you get into delivering workshops in schools
2. What inspired you to start poetry and combining it with music
3. How do you recommend navigating mental health struggles while pursuing creativity
Social media:
Instagram: @laurenkara1
TikTok: @laurenkara1
Lucy Kent, she/her
BA in English Literature, University of Leeds (2016-2019), MA in English Literature (2023-2025)
Peepal Tree Press, HopeRoad Publishing - Sales Executive
My job in 50 words:
Working for an indie publisher means there is no strict job description! If it concerns the making and selling of books its my business. I work on everything from typsetting to publicity campaigns to e-commerce across both business (Peepal Tree Press and HopeRoad).
My top tip:
Use your time at uni to your advantage! Look outside your course and look for ways to get involved in your university town, whether this is volunteering at writing workshops, or events at your local public library - it all develops skills and helps the CV.
Ask me about:
- Indie publishing
- What to do if you have no connections
- Alternative areas of publishing/the book world to consider
Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucycharlottekent/
Check out Lucy's interview from last year.
Millie Lacey, she/her
BA English Literature (2025)
Editor and Writer for The State of the Arts
Job description: I write and edit for Leeds-based arts and culture magazine The State of the Arts. Alongside writing articles, I help shape publication strategy, manage writers from pitch to publication, and adapt editorial content into engaging social media stories and posts.
My top tip: Take as many opportunities as you can. You may not know where they’ll lead, but experience and connections are invaluable. Even voluntary work or hobbies can provide strong examples for CVs and interviews, while helping you build networks that can open unexpected doors.
Three things to ask me:
1. Voluntary work experience and its benefits
2. Journalistic writing and editing at a local magazine
3. West Yorkshire arts and culture
Social media:
Instagram: @tsotarts
Website: www.thestateofthearts.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/millie-lacey-14158b256/
Janis Law, she/her
Writer at Genius Korea, Korean Indie and The Gryphon
Job description: I am a final year digital media student at University of Leeds. I have been a contributing writer for Korean Indie and a columnist for Genius Korea since last summer, while I started writing and doing photography for The Gryphon's music and club column since this academic year.
My top tip: Always seek out new experiences and fill your University life with exciting stories 🙂
Three things to ask me:
1. Design and Photography
2. Music journalism
3. Time management
Social media:
Instagram: @chunnstudio
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/janis-law4921
Grace Marsh, she/her
Practice-Led PhD Candidate, School of English, University of Leeds
Job description: I am researching (through the practice of writing poetry) how lived experience can contribute to existing understanding of disability and non-normative bodyminds.
My top tip: Rest can be productive, daydreaming can be research, and you always deserve a sweet treat!
Three things to ask me:
1. Experience with being a BA, MA and PhD English Literature/Creative Writing student at the University of Leeds (particularly regarding matters concerning disability/being working class/an estranged student/part of the Plus Programme/LGBTQ+).
2. The craft of writing poetry, including methodology/top tips/reading recommendations.
3. What affective knowledge-sharing and embodied poetics are, or anything relating to my thesis/original contribution to knowledge.
Social media:
linktr.ee/gracemarshx
Eryk Sawicki, he/him
Self-employed: director at Peregrine Coast Press
Job description: I'm self employed sooo.... graphic designer, art director, accountant, social media manager, operations manager, warehouse manager, ecommerce lead, salesperson... Peregrine Coast Press is super diversified, handling shipping and logistics for other people, crowdfunding, graphic design, and retail (direct to consumer) and distribution (sales to brick-and-mortar hobby shops) so it really is super varied. A lot more spreadsheets than I thought I'd have to deal with!
My top tip: Take advantage of the resources around you as much as possible - make connections with your peers, lecturers, support staff, and so on because they'll look after you not just during your studies, but afterwards too.
Three things to ask me:
1. Crowdfunding and self-publishing
2. Pricing your work and freelance life
3. Graphic design and book printing
Social media:
https://eryksawicki.com, Eryk Sawicki on Linkedin, peregrine_coast on all social media