Creative Writing at York St John: Learning from Award-Nominated Author Caleb Klaces
What does it mean to study Creative Writing at York St John University? It means learning from lecturers who are not only teachers, but also practicing, award-winning writers. One example is Caleb Klaces, whose second novel, Mr Outside, has been shortlisted for the Encore Award.
Caleb has built a significant literary career, from being twice featured in the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award to winning the Melita Hume Poetry Prize for his debut collection, Bottled Air. A graduate of St Edmund Hall, he has also worked internationally as editor-in-chief of the Bat City Review, and his writing appears in major publications including Granta and The White Review.
At York St John, Caleb brings this experience directly into his teaching, supporting students to develop their own writing and understand the realities of the publishing world. I spoke with him about his novel, his writing practice, and how his work shapes his teaching.
How would you describe Mr Outside? Who do you imagine reading and enjoying it?
Caleb: “Mr Outside is a novel about a father and son who have a weekend to pack up the father’s possessions to take into a care home. It’s a personal book that’s told using a combination of prose and photographs. I don’t have a specific reader in mind when I’m writing. I’ve had lovely responses both from readers who have had personal experiences that are similar to those described in the book and from people who connect in different ways.”
How would you describe your writing practice, and how has it evolved over time? (What did you study at university, and how has that influenced where you are now?)
Caleb: “Unless I have something else I really have to do, I spend every morning writing. I realised a long time ago that a regular rhythm is good for me. I studied English Language and Literature as an undergraduate. A little while later, I studied for an MA in Creative Writing in America. I was determined, as a younger writer, to have a grasp of the historical scope of English literature. Then the MA opened me up to a different world, of contemporary writing and writers from other traditions.”
How do you bring your experience as a published author and award nominee into your teaching?
Caleb: “The opportunities that come with publication – doing events, writing reviews, meeting other writers – mean I’m always discovering new work and new ways of writing. It’s great when I have the opportunity to discuss books with students that I myself don’t feel I fully understand or know how to categorise. I’ve learned a lot that way.”
What modules, topics, or areas do you most enjoy teaching at YSJ?
Caleb: “I always enjoy working with third-year undergraduate students. They have found their own interests and are exploring what really matters to them. I really like PhD supervision for the same reasons. It’s useful and stretching to really get your head around what another writer is trying to do.”
What do you think YSJ offers to humanities students?
Caleb: “In general, the humanities is about critical thinking (stepping back and asking the difficult questions) and about creativity (coming up with unexpected ideas). It’s also a way of studying all sorts of other subjects, too. For example, I’m currently working with PhD students on projects that look at literature and disability; the environment and slowing down attention, and the relationship between painting and poetry. At York St John, I think there’s something particularly special about the active literary community on campus. We’re lucky, as tutors, that we get to know students and their writing so well.”
What would you recommend prospective students prioritise when choosing a humanities course?
Caleb: “Courses are all different, so it’s useful to look at the syllabus, the campus, and the staff, and think about how they will suit your interests. It may seem obvious, but any Humanities degree will involve a lot of independent reading. Have a look at some reading lists, if you can, and think about which books you’d like to spend your time in a library with.”
How would you respond to students who are concerned about graduate outcomes and whether a university is worth the investment?
Caleb: “Well, it’s really important to make an informed decision about going to university, so that you can go into a degree feeling confident and ready to make the most of it. But in general, critical thinking and creativity are not optional extras for society. Employers recognise that they need people who can think for themselves and evaluate information in light of appropriate contexts. At York St John, every undergraduate and postgraduate creative writing student will also get the opportunity to edit a professional anthology with a literary press, and to pitch work to an agent or publisher.”
Looking Ahead
From national recognition for his fiction to his work supporting the next generation of writers, Caleb Klaces shows how creative practice and teaching come together at York St John University. His success with Mr Outside reflects the strong creative community at the University, where staff are actively working in their fields alongside teaching.
For students, being taught by practicing writers offers a real insight into the creative industries. At York St John, Creative Writing students can get involved in opportunities like editing a professional anthology and pitching their work to agents or publishers. Alongside support from staff, this helps students build confidence in their writing and graduate with skills they can take into a range of creative careers.
Find out more about Creative Writing at York St John
Find out more about Mr Outside by Caleb Klaces