Diane

My debut novel, The Normal State of Mind (Parthian, 2015) was long listed for the Mumbai Association of Moving Images (MAMI) Word to Screen Prize. Table Manners (Dahlia Books, 2018) won the Saboteur Award for Best Short Story Collection in 2019. My short stories have been featured on BBC Radio 4. I develop and deliver writing workshops for various art galleries and organisations around Hampshire and beyond. I teach creative writing at University of Winchester and am a trustee of The Winchester Poetry Festival. I’ve also developed ands teach a short story course for Professional Writing Academy. I’m co-founder of Write Beyond Borders, a transnational mentoring project writers from South Asia and its diaspora.    

Emma Taylor is an oil painter and art history student, engaging with the human condition, sensuality, gender, mortality, and intimacy. Emma managed and curated the March 2024 Women’s History Month exhibition in Farnborough. She is currently shortlisted for the 2026 Royal Female School of Art curatorial mentorship in collaboration with the White Box Gallery in London. Emma’s paintings are characterized by soft, atmospheric textures and a restrained, muted palette that reflects upon 19th century classical traditions. Figures often appear partially obscured, emerging from or receding into hazy backgrounds or exposed underpainting.

I’m a Fleet-based Craft Business Strategist, multidisciplinary maker and creative facilitator, with a specialism in textiles and yarn-based crafts and over 25 years of making & business experience. I work with craft & creative business owners to build sustainable income through smarter visibility and multiple revenue streams. I also run art and craft workshops, I call Creative Wilding™️ , helping busy adults find calm & fulfilment by reconnecting & nurturing their creativity through slow crafts & art making. I’m a qualified primary school teacher with a Textile Design degree from Winchester School of Art and have worked in educational publishing alongside my craft business, creative practice and arts facilitation.