John Challis

Dr John Challis is a Lecturer in Creative Writing at York St John University's School of Humanities. He holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Newcastle University, where he previously held roles as Research Associate and Teaching Fellow. His academic focus includes contemporary poetry, poetry archives, industrial themes in poetry, and film noir influences. He is a recipient of the Northern Writers' Award, Pushcart Prize, and Author’s Foundation Grant. His works include the poetry collection The Resurrectionists (Bloodaxe, 2021), a 2021 Forward Prize nominee, and the pamphlets Hallsong (2022) and The Black Cab (2017).

• Teaching: Modules on Adaptations, Creative Writing, Literary Studies, and Professional Writing.
• Research: Ongoing projects explore renewable energy in Northumberland and the intersection of poetry with industry and cinema.

His recent publications (2020–2023) span journals like Poetry Review, Poetry London, and The Guardian, with themes ranging from urban narratives to spiritual symbolism. He serves as editor for Poetry Salzburg Review, an external examiner for Falmouth University’s Creative Writing BA, and a tutor for the Faber Academy.