Gayle Letherby - Creative Academic Coaching

What's Creativity

Got To Do With It?

I am a freelance academic specialising in creative approaches to data collection and research re/presentation. With many years of experience, I offer services such as academic writing retreats, creative writing and research methods workshops, as well as being available for guest speaking engagements.

Academic writing retreats with a creative twist providing a unique, safe, supportive working environment.

Guest Speaking

Lectures and presentations featuring a wide-range of methodological and substantive concerns.

Academic Writing Retreats

Engaging workshops focusing on creative writing for academics and/or creative approaches to data collection.

Welcome to

Workshops

Kind Reflections

Witnessing the transformative effect of Gayle's exercises is nothing short of magical. In her workshops, academics evolve into poets and storytellers, discovering the liberating joy of creative expression. Gayle's influence has not only shaped my writing style but has also emboldened me to challenge conventional academic norms, embracing the power of creative methods in research. Her insightful feedback has been instrumental in refining my work and has helped me navigate academic critiques with grace and resilience. Gayle's mentorship has planted seeds of growth within me, instilling confidence, and fortitude to navigate the complexities of scholarly work with creativity and authenticity. Dr Landa Love, previous PhD candidate, Sociology.

Gayle facilitated a really interesting session focussed on creative writing and storytelling in research. This was a really unique two hours and gave us academics the time and self-belief to write (anything!).... We would certainly recommend Gayle to anyone hoping to change their perspective on writing and spark some creativity, which is lurking in us all. Dr Steffi Colyer, Bath Beacon for Sport and Technology in a Digital Age, University of Bath.

I could shout it from the rooftops – Professor Letherby is an outstanding mentor and colleague.... Gayle’s willingness to be vulnerable and share her own experiences, from obstacles overcome in her academic career to personal experiences of loss, means her wisdom and advice are always grounded in experience as well as reading and research. Dr Bethan Michael-Fox, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Open University.

Gayle is not only an internationally renowned sociologist, but also an excellent communicator who connects with a wide range of audiences with empathy and understanding. I first contacted Gayle when I was a PhD student and her response then and ever since has been warm, compassionate and motivating. An inspiring role-model, her passion and enthusiasm are both galvanising and contagious. Dr Robin Hadley, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University.

For one of the 10 minute exercises you gave us I wrote probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever written.
I always think of writing as work, but this was a joy.
Thank you for the retreat Gayle, it was well… a treat.
This is a powerful space. I wasn’t sure about it, choosing to sit with other people and write ... but the writing is flowing.