Laura Barnett

Laura Barnett is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. She joined the university in June 2018 and has an extensive background in literature, journalism, and arts criticism. Her first novel, *The Versions of Us* (2015), became a bestseller and was shortlisted for the Debut of the Year at the British Book Awards. Her second novel, *Greatest Hits* (2017), was accompanied by a soundtrack album collaboration with Kathryn Williams. Her third novel was published in 2019.

Beyond academia, Barnett has contributed to national newspapers like the *Guardian*, *Observer*, and *Daily Telegraph*, and has served as a creative writing mentor for Arts Emergency. She has also delivered a TedX talk on originality in fiction and taught Guardian Masterclasses.

Her research interests span creative writing pedagogy, narrative innovation, and interdisciplinary storytelling. Her work explores themes of time, parallel realities, and the intersection of music with literary form.

Barnett’s awards include recognition for her debut novel’s imaginative narrative structure. She actively engages in public literary initiatives, emphasizing accessibility and diversity in the arts through mentorship programs.