Carolyn Lewis is a novelist, prize-winning short story writer and a creative writing tutor. She has an MPhil in writing from the University of South Wales and currently she is taking a PhD at Swansea University. Her new book, Some Sort of Twilight, published by Watermark Press, is a collection of short stories, nearly all of which have won a prize or have been published in anthologies.
Carolyn’s first novel, Missing Nancy was published by Accent Press in 2008. She has worked as a creative writing tutor for many years and two text books, published by Silverwood Books, have been published based on her teaching methods.
The text book, The Short Story – A Perfect Recipe, was praised by Mike Manson, ‘As a former chair of judges of the Bristol Short Story Prize, I’ve often been asked to suggest books on writing short stories. I’d definitely recommend The Short Story – A Perfect Recipe.’ Cambridge University Press also recommended The Short Story – A Perfect Recipe in their book The English Short Story.
Her new book, Some Sort of Twilight, published by Watermark Press in 2022, is a collection of short stories. Most of the stories in the collection, have either won a prize or have been published in anthologies by Honno, Route Magazine, New Welsh Review and Mslexia amongst others.
Carolyn was born in Cardiff, but now lives just outside Bristol.
Tutoring services
Carolyn mentors new writers. The mentoring includes guidance on writing techniques, editing manuscripts and advice on how to prepare work for possible publication.
Currently she’s working for MS Wales as a creative writing tutor and, in September 2022, she’ll embark upon a role as tutor for Stoke Lodge Adult Education Centre in Bristol.
At present she’s talking to libraries, writing groups and book shops and reading excerpts from her new book; Some Sort of Twilight. Carolyn has given talks to many writing and reading groups and has run day-long workshops for writers, coaching them in all aspects of creative writing.
For more information on her tutoring services, please contact Carolyn by filling in the contact form or by phone.
Publications
Some Sort of Twilight
/Published by Watermark Press
These twelve stories are of people unsure of their place in the world – Cassie who discovers she can fly and has no-one to tell, Christine who’s been in her friend’s shadow for a long time, Bernard who loses his job through no fault of his own and Hannah who knows her father is waiting for her to sort his life out.
These stories combine pathos, humour and wisdom to explore how the ordinary can be strange, heartbreaking or comic, illuminating the inner lives of people who feel in some way they’re on the edge of their own lives.
Carolyn's stories are a joy to read. Her characters are so perfectly formed that we feel we have always known them. Of course people collect coat hangers! Who doesn't one day find they can fly? Her empathy for them all shines through and we feel in very safe hands.
Sally Bramley, Winner 2021 Caledonia Novel Prize.
At last a storyteller who gets us, gets our lives and weaves her stories with breathtaking truth. The random, strange events that upend us, the fears that hold us back, the humanity that brings us together and how we find the courage to be ourselves. An outrageous, funny and triumphant collection.
Geraldine Taylor, Multi-award winning children’s author
Missing Nancy
Nancy was the glue that kept her fractured family together but when she dies the cracks quickly appear. Ex-daughter-in-law Nina bundles her two children off to France in a desperate bid to find herself. In the process she loses her youngest child and, for a while, the respect of her eldest.
A beautifully written book about a modern family, after divorce through the eyes of each generation. Mum bravely taking her family camping in France was portrayed so wonderfully. Can only strongly recommend this to others. Will definitely read more from this talented author.
Amazon review
The Short Story – A Perfect Recipe: A Guide to Writing Short Stories
A beginner's guide to short story writing, from prize-winning creative writing tutor Carolyn Lewis. This accessible handbook offers techniques, tips, practical exercises and encouragement to motivate and support the aspiring short story author.
If you want to write the perfect short story this book is indeed a Perfect Recipe. Clear, concise and practical a great start for story writers.
Amazon review