The Quill Guy is a long-running collection of writing about teaching, literature, attention and the examined life.
I began writing online over twenty years ago, when blogs felt more provisional and less exposed. A post could be a notebook entry, an experiment, or a message sent towards a few unknown readers. Since then, the internet has become more searchable and professionalised. My own writing has moved between named blogs, anonymous spaces, private journals and, more recently, private (I hope!) conversations with AI.
Professionally, I lead and teach English Literature and Theory of Knowledge in international education. I also work as an examiner for the IBO and Cambridge. Much of this site grows from classroom experience: lesson planning, curriculum, literary analysis, assessment, educational ideas and the daily work of helping students and teachers think more clearly.
The site now contains two broad kinds of writing.
Practical teaching offers resources, examples and reflections that other teachers may find useful.
Conceptual teaching and wider essays explore books, work, attention, professional life and the assumptions beneath what we do.
I am not trying to turn the site into a business or a personal brand, despite its cool name. There have been no adverts. I do not publish according to a content schedule, and I do not intend to manufacture arguments merely because controversy travels quickly.
The site is better understood as a public notebook and a form of correspondence with colleagues, including colleagues I have not yet met. Reading this means you are likely a fellow craftsperson..
I have begun to use AI to question and challenge my ideas. I imagine most professional writers would want to hide that truth. Anything published here remains mine to defend or revise, or even withdraw.
I avoid identifying students, colleagues and workplaces where those details are unnecessary.
I want candour without carelessness.