John works with adult groups and in schools, sharing his travel writing skills and helping others to develop theirs, he says:

'I believe that travel writing is the art of describing a personal journey and portraying the people, the land, its plants and animals, history and geography, in a fresh and interesting way. I enjoy helping children and adults develop their own skills to research a wide range of topics, observe people and places and characterise them effectively, combining them into an gripping narrative. Many forms of factual and fictional writing benefit from honing these skills.'

John's workshops and courses include talks, usually illustrated with slides from his stunning collection, together with structured practical sessions. Workshops and courses are tailored to individual requirements, and can vary in length from a forty-minute workshop to a week-long course.

Recent dates include: talking on the replica ship, Captain Cook's 'Endeavour', Ty Newydd Festival, Trinity College Carmarthen and the Anglo-Peruvian and Anglo-Ecuadorian societies in London.

John has undertaken many talks and workshops with writers' groups in Wales, with support from the Welsh Academi's Writer's on Tour Scheme.

He has taught week-long courses for Andy Mullet's renowned Greek Experience study holidays, taking over from Louis de Bèrnieres. 'People do talk about the course you offered as one of the best.' AM

more about adult courses and workshops

John has worked in schools across South Wales, and also with students on projects at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff Castle, the Old Library, Cardiff, Forest Enterprise, Llancaiach Fawr Manor House, Caerphilly, and Flat Holm Island.

more about schools' workshops