I am a writer, editor and a tutor of creative writing based mainly in the mountains of Monchique in the Algarve, Portugal, where I live with my son, two ponies, two cats, two fish and, erm, two dogs now. I teach online courses for several universities in the UK (including short courses for Oxford and York) and I also run local workshops and, occasionally, writing retreats. Prior to that I lived in Norfolk where I worked at the University of East Anglia for many years – and also at the Norwich School of Art & Design (now called something completely different). I completed a BA in Russian and Portuguese at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies and an MA in Creative Writing at the UEA. I love to travel as well as write and frequently go to Spain and travel around Portugal. Several years ago I visited Mozambique and Cuba, and back in the eighties, when the world was a different place, I lived in Japan and travelled extensively around Asia. My first degree allowed me to experience the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of the new Russia. Place is very important to me as a writer and much of my inspiration comes from other countries, other cultures, other people. It’s the little differences that make us unique and interesting and I like to play with those differences. And celebrate them.
My most recent publication is The Magic Campervan, my first chapter book for children.
Please note that my previous website http://www.lisaselvidge.com was hacked and is, sadly, no longer under my control.
Hello there Lisa, my names Josephine. I’m a 21 yo Australian traveller currently living in Lagos and am extremely interested in creative writing. I have unfortunately fallen into a pit of laziness since arriving as I haven’t been able to speak with a mentor. Your history and experience has caught my eye and I would love to have a chat with you if you have the time! Or if you offer a monthly tutor class at all let me know :). I’m delighted to have come across your blog and hope to hear from you soon. My email is phini_74@hotmail.com.
Hi Josephine, I did email you but not sure if you received it? If you are still around and you would like to meet up please email me lisa.selvidge@sapo.pt
Bjs, Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I completed one of your Writing Lives Oxford courses and saw you ran creative writing retreats…do you still do these or have any good recommendations of similar courses in Europe? I really liked your online course and would like to do a workshop week.
Many thanks for your help!
Best wishes
Alison Power
Hi Alison,
Thanks for contacting me. I stopped doing the retreats when I had Leo but now he’s more or less settled in school, I have been thinking about setting them up again… I will give it some thought. Are you more interested in non-fiction as in Writing Lives? I have an online fiction course starting Monday for the University of York if you’re interested (10 weeks, non-accredited)? It is very affordable and there are a few places left. http://bit.ly/2iM5uji
Warm wishes,
Lisa
lisa.selvidge@sapo.pt
Hi Lisa, did you ever go to Hotel California Boracay? Did you meet Joserra? If so please contact me. Im his son and I spend a lot of time in Algarve aswell around Vale Figueiras. Would love to talk to you.