Hi, I’m Gillian.

I’m a poet, essayist and instructor of writing with over 15 years of writing and teaching experience. I’ve taught narrative, research writing and literature at UBC since 2004. I’ve also taught writing workshops for GEIST, the University of Arizona, and Douglas College.

My formal education includes a BA in English from the University of Victoria and an MFA in Writing from the University of Arizona where I also studied American literature.

I’ve co-edited an oral history project in the Downtown Eastside, taught poetry at inner-city schools, published two books and various poems, essays and book reviews.  I’ve sat on boards and literary juries, judged writing contests, judged the Poetry in Voice contest, mentored youth and co-created a research-based non-profit. I volunteer at the Vancouver Hospice.

I bring all of that experience and expertise into the classroom when I teach Life Writing. My writing courses are designed for people who don’t consider themselves professional writers but who nevertheless want to write about their lives.

Everybody has a story to tell. Everybody has the capacity to write. I believe strongly in the power of stories and storytelling, and that the experience of writing our stories helps us to live happier, healthier lives!