Hi stranger...

I’m Tia - writer, book hoarder and wordsmith and the pen behind thegutsywriter on Substack and Instagram. I grew up on the Isle of Man as a Chinese adoptee. Being surrounded by stories and mythology from Manx folktales to strange tales through word and mouth gave me the daily inspiration to create. I followed my enthusiasm for the written word by studying Creative Writing at A-Level. In 2019 I graduated with a Class I degree in BA Honours Creative Writing from York St John University.

 

Since leaving higher education I have been trying to catch a break with my writing, whilst juggling my 9-5; something a lot of creatives struggle to balance. For the last three years I have navigated the TV drama landscape, working for Moonage Pictures (The Gentleman / Famous Five / A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder), BBC Studios Drama (Casualty / EastEnders / Silent Witness), Channel 4 Screenwriting 2023 and as a Script Reader for Scribe Lounge (Elevate Scheme 2024 & 2025). However, I have worked in a variety of other industries including copywriting, radio journalism, PR, finance, HR, hospitality, Camp America and media. 

 

I launched thegutsywriter in July 2025 on Substack and Instagram to share my stories with the world and the mental ins and outs of being a writer. Writing is a lonely business and I have had my fair share of struggles and mental blocks. I wanted to create a community that supports all writers, at whatever stage of their career and provide little nuggets of encouragement as well as writing tips and advice.  

 

I hope you will keep turning the page.