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
Emma Boniwell
Programme Manager - Children & Young People
Emma has worked in arts administration since graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music with a music degree.
She has been working with with writers for more than 20 years at Cheltenham Festivals,The Society of Authors and, since 2014, at Writing West Midlands.
She has two children and is a Governor at a primary school in Solihull.
She has been working with with writers for more than 20 years at Cheltenham Festivals,The Society of Authors and, since 2014, at Writing West Midlands.
She has two children and is a Governor at a primary school in Solihull.
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.
Amelia Clarke
Programmes and Marketing Assistant
Amelia graduated from the University of Warwick with a BA in English Literature & Theatre Studies, focusing on movement direction and physical theatre. She is originally from London and has worked with numerous arts organisations on projects in the West Midlands.
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.