TJ Oats

I believe that when you undertake any kind of challenge or new activity, you will learn something about yourself. Writing has taught me that I’m not as good as I think I am, as well as being better than I think I am (yes, both of these things can be true at the same time). While on the creative writing course at AUB we were expected to write around 2000 words per week – which my brain instantly calculated to just under 300 words per day – some of which we would have to read out in class. Cue...

INTRO: It was while trying to write my very first novel (which I don't really count because it was too short and essentially unfinished) that I got to a point where I needed a palette cleanser. I wanted to write something short - anything - that had absolutely nothing to do with what I was currently writing, which was more of drama. I can't possibly say where the inspiration for this came from, although it's possible that elements of it are subconsciously inspired by the popular TV show...

Hello, 2026 and all its magical promise of newness, change for the better and unrealised resolutions! Am I being too cynical? Perhaps I’ve allowed my dark comedy characters a little too deep into my soul. So, let’s bring some of that positive energy so synonymous with the New Year. Firstly, 2025 was the year I finished my first proper novel. It was started in 2023 during a Creative Writing short course with Louise Voss at Arts Uni Bournemouth (although she’s no longer teaching it, I still...