Dr Edmund Hurst

Dr Ed Hurst is an academic and author, whose research explores the practical application of creative writing to foster literacy and a lifelong love of storytelling in young writers. His work combines innovative and creative approaches to the concept of storytelling, with an engaging and student-focused approach to teaching. His creative community work takes place in person and in digital spaces, including a student-led Discord & Twitch Channel (Twitch.tv/EdHurst).

As Programme Director for Creative Writing (2022 – 2025), he led the Creative Writing team to sector-leading NSS results, with 21/27 scores of 100/100 three years in a row. He also led the team to being ranked No.1 nationally for Student Experience in the Complete University Guide 2025 & 2026.

Dr Hurst created the BA Games Design and Creative Writing programme and is a Senior Fellow of the HEA. He is a recipient of The Inspired in Hull award for Teaching & The Student Choice Award for Exceptional Contributions to Inclusivity and Diversity.

A published novelist and short story author, his debut short story ‘When the Leaves Turn Brown’ (NAWE, 2016) explored the intersection of youth, guilt and freedom. His most recent novel, ‘ARX: City of Broken Minds’ (Barbican Press, 2024) weaves together a sharp fantasy narrative, an innovative and psychological magic system and unique, memorable characters in order to ask the question: who are we, if not our memories?

Dr Hurst received a secondment to the Teaching Excellence Academy in 2023-2024 to research and scaffold AI-Resilience across the University of Hull, which led to the creation of an Open Access AI-Resilience Matrix – embedded into the institution’s AI strategy and praised as ‘excellent - thought-provoking, helpful, and something to revisit when designing a new or amending an assessment for a module in the future.’ He has run conferences, presentations and drop-in sessions to support AI-Resilience across the University and regularly hosts Technological Upskilling events for teachers and students in local institutions.

Beyond academia, Dr Hurst collaborates with arts organisations and charities, offering creative opportunities for writers-in-waiting across the region. His work with Colliderfest pairs Science with Science Fiction and explores the connection between creativity and scientific inquiry. He is an active contributor to The Big Malarkey Literary Festival, engaging young writers aged 6-16 in worldbuilding to build literacy and he is a member of the Regional Advisory Group for First Story. He is currently working with From Player To Page to host a national writing competition for writers aged 11 – 16, taking inspiration from video games and translating those interests into prose.

Reviews for ARX: City of Broken Minds

‘The characters were so well-rounded with complex backgrounds and motives to drive them through the plot. Also, whilst this might be controversial, I LOVED the third person close perspective used throughout. I feel like it fit with the book really well!’ (Goodreads – 4.3/5*)

‘A highly enjoyable read filled with witty characters, action and an intriguing storyline which only thickens as the pages go on. As somebody who doesn’t particularly go for fantasy, immersing myself in the imaginatively crafted world of Arx has been a welcome change. Hurst creatively conjures imagery through the unique perspective of each character, and does an incredible job of maintaining strong voices throughout. Despite the narrative’s complexity, there is an alluring ‘human’ feel embedded in the style of writing.’ (Amazon – 4.8/5*)