Creative writing can change hearts, minds and lives.

Russ Litten - Writer, Tutor, Enabler

Creative Writing Workshops

Helen Meller

Russ leads creative writing workshops in schools, colleges, prisons, libraries and community centres across the UK. These unique workshops explore virtually every aspect of the writer’s craft, combining practical, clear-headed advice with innovative exercises designed to inspire and empower. The sessions can be tailored towards a specific theme or outcome, and delivered towards any timescale - from a one-off workshop to a year-long residency.

Co-Director Lumb Bank Arvon & Arvon At Home

"Russ Litten is an astonishingly versatile writer who works brilliantly in so many contexts. He's a fabulous Arvon tutor and has taught everything from Starting to Write and Fiction courses to residential weeks with vulnerable adults and riotously engaging weeks with schoolchildren. We've also been working with him on our new Arvon North programme which has seen him delivering inspiring creative writing content for a wellbeing app and facilitating weekly writing sessions in the Calder Valley to adults in recovery. His talent knows no bounds and his warmth and generosity make him one of our most cherished Arvon tutors".

Russ Litten - Mentor

For writers engaged with long-term projects, Russ offers an ongoing consultancy based on manuscript development, structural advice and close editing. Mentored writers can expect regular meetings, either in person or online, and ongoing notes and written progress reports.


"Russ has championed and encouraged my writing since we first met and has helped me knock my manuscript into shape. My writing has improved immeasurably as a result of his thoughtful mentorship".

Marcia Hutchinson


Author of "Mercy"

Russ Litten - Editor

Russ has edited novels, short stories, anthologies and poetry collections. 

Here are just a few of them

Research Projects

"I’ve now worked with Russ for nearly a decade, on a number of different university research projects. His consultancy has been vital, from advising on grant applications relating to prison, to actually leading months of creative writing groups with the formerly incarcerated as part of a funded arts council project. His editing on an anthology,Hope Walks By Me, that stemmed from one of these projects was thought-provoking and empathetic, ultimately securing us a book contract with a prestigious publisher".


Dr Josephine Metcalf


Senior Lecturer in American Studies & Criminology

School of Criminology, Sociology & Policing

Further Testimonials

Miriam Williams,

Programme Co-ordinater, Tŷ Newydd.

"Russ Litten has tutored numerous times at Tŷ Newydd - he's a brilliant tutor who can easily adapt his workshops to suit the needs of the group. Russ was committed to every element of his role and showed a clear ability in creating a productive and creative space for all under his care.”

Ciara McAlinden

YouthStart Operational Lead, Start 360, Belfast

"Russ has supported many of my youth groups on residentials for over 10 years and has always been an amazing tutor and support for them. Russ is my go-to person for anything writing, creative and education. He is understanding of group needs regarding educational ability and emotional ability. He structures his sessions to create the best learning environment for the groups. I would highly recommend Russ and hope to be working with him long into the future".

Ralph Dartford

Project Manager, National Literacy Trust

"I’ve had the great privilege of working with Russ Litten in running workshops in prison settings. Russ’s deft and personable skill in encouraging prisoners to explore a range of subjects through creative writing, talking and listening is a joy to behold. I’m excited at the possibilities of working with him again in the future".

Jessica Fear

First Story

"Russ is such a fantastic, dependable workshop leader and a pleasure to work with creatively. Bursting with fresh ideas about how to engage whichever group he’s working with, Russ always brings the energy, enthusiasm, artistic curiosity, and humour. I have never known a group not to instantly take to Russ and feel compelled to be drawn on a writing journey with him".

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