Pioneering the teaching of creative writing in Malta : an interview with David Samuel Hudson

Abstract

This article presents an interview with Maltese author and educator David Samuel Hudson, whose work positions creative writing as an accessible, teachable craft rather than an innate gift. Hudson discusses a pedagogy centred on practical development in voice, structure, characterisation, reading and constructive critique, while resisting approaches dominated by abstract theory. The interview also examines Malta’s bilingual literary context, the legitimacy of writing in English, and the limited local pathways to publication. Hudson advocates preparing emerging writers for international markets and cultivating an inclusive, sustainable community capable of strengthening Malta’s professional creative writing culture. The article concludes by relating Hudson’s reflections to wider debates in creative writing pedagogy and identifying implications for educators seeking to connect craft, confidence, multilingual voice and literary community.