Hi there.
I was born in Barrhead, Scotland, the fourth of five children to my Polish father and English mother. Educated at Barrhead High School and Paisley Grammar School, I went on to attain an Honours degree in English Literature and Philosophy from Glasgow University in 1981, despite spending a great deal of time honing my skills on pool tables and darts boards. In the following year, I qualified as an English teacher from Jordanhill College. Shortly after obtaining an Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Management in 1991, I became a head of department at Greenock Academy. I went on to similar posts in Lenzie Academy and Linwood High, where I eventually became an Acting Assistant Head Teacher. In 2001, I became a lecturer in the English section of the Language Education Department of the University of Strathclyde.
Professionally, my areas of interest include Behaviour Management, the development of Writing, reading and the use of ICT in English teaching. I have been involved in self appraisal initiatives, the development of the BBC Digital Curriculum, provision for the more able, in-service delivery on writing to a range of educational professionals and extensive supported study schemes. If you would like to discuss any professional development related matters, mail me at Strathclyde University at raymond.soltysek@strath.ac.uk .
I have written extensively since 1992, with work appearing in many literary magazines and national anthologies. My first short story collection, "Occasional Demons", was published in 2001 by 11:9 publishing. My short film script, "The Practicality of Magnolia", was produced under the New Found Land scheme by Hopscotch films in spring 2002: featuring Sheila Hancock, Steven Duffy and Brian Cox, it is directed by Clara Glynn. I've written educational programmes for the BBC, including an adaptation of Robin Jenkins "The Cone Gatherers", and I'm working on a novel.
Most of my interests can be figured out from my links pages. I take notions, such as learning French, the harmonica and the squeezbox, which are largely work avoidance tactics. However, I'm interested in all sorts of educational or literary projects: if you would like to contact me with a proposal, please e-mail me using the link below.
Bastille Day with the lovely Bernadette and Maria, Grez-sur-Loing, 2006
At the summit of Ben Alder, July 2004
Meeting cousins Eugen and Christine for the first time, Siegen, 2006
2004: with my good friend, the brilliant French academic Estelle Quinn, who tragically died in November 2006.
On holiday at Lake Garda, Italy, 1998
With David Cameron, Liz Small and Linda Cracknell, 11:9 event, Ullapool, 2000
At the Ambassador's reception, Gothenburg Book Festival, 2004!
Caving, Gaping Gill, 2006
