I’m a writer and performer with more than 20 years’ experience in the media, tourism, education and entertainment.

I began my journalism career in London on student publications and freelancing for The Independent. After a spell abroad teaching English, I trained at City University Journalism School and joined Telegraph Media Group. I worked there for five years, working mainly on news and travel, both online and in print. I then spent two years working in public relations in tourism and education. For a decade I combined university lecturing with freelance writing and authoring travel guidebooks. I have recently moved back into travel writing full time.

In journalism, I have a Postgraduate Diploma from City University and an MA (with Distinction) from Westminster University. In English language and teaching, I have a CELTA, a PGCert in Higher Education and a TESOL Diploma (with Distinction) from University of Brighton.

I’m also an experienced performer. I have released two albums as a singer-songwriter, receiving substantial coverage in the media, and have performed standup comedy at venues in London and the South-East.

My award-winning first novel, thriller Green Shoots, is out now.

To contact me, email benwestwoodwrites@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter or Instagram.