Bill Kirton

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Retired.

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I first spent 6 months as a trainee manager in Nottingham, then taught French for 3 years at Hardye’s School in Dorchester. Itchen moved to Aberdeen University as a lecturer in the French department. I took early retirement to concentrate on my writing – fiction and books on writing and study skills. I’ve also been a television presenter and voice-over artist. I’ve held writing-related posts in the universities of Dundee, Robert Gordon’s in Aberdeen, and St Andrews, and in various Scottish schools.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I’m a Francophile and have always written (from radio and stage dramas to novels, short stories, and non-fiction books on writing).The teaching profession, at school and university level, allowed me to use my literary and linguistic skills to communicate my enthusiasms to learners.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was a member of the French society and became peripherally involved with drama productions. I played briefly for the football (soccer) team, but not at the highest level.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

French literature and an introduction to deeper textual analysis (from lecturers in both the French and English departments.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

I’m a Plymothian, so Exeter was my ‘home’ university.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

See previous response. (It was also the time when the Northcote Theatre was being started.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

An interest in and enthusiasm for my subject and the pleasure of conveying that enthusiasm to students and helping them to develop their own interests.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

You need n ot only to be competent in your field but to actually have a desire to communicate the aspects of it which appealed and still appeal to you.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m retired now but am still an active writer of fiction.