The Spark Young Writers groups, magazine and other opportunities for young people are organised by this team of people.
You can email us by clicking on our photos below.
Jonathan Davidson
Chief Executive, Writing West Midlands
Jonathan Davidson has worked for over twenty-five years in arts management and literature development.
He is joint-founder and Associate Director of the Birmingham Literature Festival, Chief Executive of Writing West Midlands and Director of Midland Creative Projects Limited.
His latest book "A Commonplace" is published by Smith|Doorstop in August 2020
He is joint-founder and Associate Director of the Birmingham Literature Festival, Chief Executive of Writing West Midlands and Director of Midland Creative Projects Limited.
His latest book "A Commonplace" is published by Smith|Doorstop in August 2020
Emily Holtom
Programme Manager - Children & Young People
A former teacher, Emily has extensive experience working with young people and fostering creativity. She is an accomplished arts specialist, with a background in poetry, performance, and project management. Born and raised in Birmingham, her career has focused on using the arts to engage and inspire communities, and she bring a wealth of knowledge to her role at Writing West Midlands.
William Gallagher
Editor, Spark Young Writers magazine
William Gallagher is a scriptwriter, performer. His work has appeared extensively in Radio Times and BBC News Online plus The Independent, the Los Angeles Times and on BBC local and national radio.
William is the Lead Writer for the Walsall Spark Young Writers group and has edited the magazine for the past five years.
William is the Lead Writer for the Walsall Spark Young Writers group and has edited the magazine for the past five years.
Shantel Edwards
Creative Producer / Festival Director
Shantel has worked within the arts in higher education since 2013. In 2019, she completed her PhD at the University of Birmingham, focusing on contemporary British fiction and the marketing of race.
She is an avid reader, native of Birmingham and passionate Birmingham Literature Festival attendee.
She is an avid reader, native of Birmingham and passionate Birmingham Literature Festival attendee.
Lyza Lawal
Programmes and Marketing Assistant
Lyza is a literature lover and a part-time PhD researcher originally from London. She runs a monthly book club focusing on diversity and inclusion in the book community.
Spark Young Writers also works with more than 40 of the best writers in the West Midlands. They inspire young people with a passion for creative writing at our monthly Spark Young Writers groups.