Tees Valley Writers

John Dean

John Dean is a writer of crime novels, and is a tutor and mentor. He is developing a career as a writer, with six crime novels already published by Robert Hale, of London. John is also a creative writing tutor, taking regular classes at venues including Darlington Arts Centre and is administrator for The Global Short Story competition, run by Darlington company Certys, of which he is a director, and which is backed by the arts centre. More information on www.globalshortstories.net

Also the author of the children's comedy fantasy, Haghir the Dragon Finder, published in 1994, he works extensively in schools on projects designed to encourage creativity among young people. John is also a mentor for writers.

A freelance journalist for the past 12 years, he is a joint director of Inscribe Media Limited, of Darlington, (www.inscribemedia.co.uk) whose specialities include arts projects, environmental and wildlife reporting and criminal justice articles. He also writes brochures and similar products for clients.

John, who is in his forties, is also the author of two local history books: Darlington Then and Now and A Place in History.