Tabitha Bast

Tabitha Bast is a therapist and short story writer. She is currently working on a collection called Tipping Point about relational tipping points against a backdrop of climate change and social upheaval. Until recently Tabitha was also writing a memoir/creative non fiction blog on substack called The Boys are Alright . She has recently completed the Mayor’s Script Diversity Programme for pivoting to screenwriting, and hosts a monthly writers’ retreat in Saltaire through the national organisation, Writers HQ.

We asked Tabitha a few questions about her work, her recent wins, and how BPH and Bradford’s creative scene has shaped her as an artist.

How has BPH supported you and your development?

BPH has opened so many doors for me – and it’s been a big step up in terms of my development. I’m more established now as a writer and my confidence has grown so much. I was in Leeds for many decades before moving to Bradford in 2023, and it’s been such a springboard up creatively.

One of my biggest wins has been receiving application support through BPH for my Arts Council England Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) funding application—and I got it! This means I now have a full day every fortnight dedicated to writing until the end of the year, a mentor to help me edit (my least favourite part!), and a couple of residencies to look forward to.

I’ve also been incredibly lucky to take part in Leeds Creative Labs through BPH, where I was paired with the behavioural scientist, Keven Joyal-Desmarais . Together, we explored nudge theory through the lens of choose-your-own-adventure books, which was such a unique and eye-opening experience.

Even the smaller opportunities have made a big difference, from group and one-on-one creative coaching to workshops and events. I’d really recommend keeping an eye on everything BPH offers, there’s so much to get involved with!

How has being part of Bradford’s creative community influenced your work?

It’s been really fun at socials, meeting non-writers and marvelling at the experimental and imaginative ways people express themselves.  I’m quite awestruck by the local talent and find it intriguing when people have skills that are so far away from my own.

I’m particularly drawn to artists whose work engages with nature. Living so close to Shipley Glen has deepened my connection to green spaces and encouraged me to lean into that relationship with the natural world.

What would be your dream collaboration/project?

Some kind of writer/soundscape/theatre project outside which involves radical Bradford history and folklore……if that’s not too much to ask!

What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or events you want people to know about? 

I have to plug my first Writers HQ Retreat, it’s going to be fab!

I also have a couple of short stories coming out in different places over the next couple of months, so keep an eye out and read them if you like! Here’s the last one that’s freely available and a sneak peek into my collection.

What does being an artist in Bradford mean to you?

Constantly defending Bradford against its naysayers! Being amongst both the green hills and diverse towns.

We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know a bit more about Tabitha. You can have a read of more of her work here:

Be True To Your Bar By Tabitha Bast

Dear John – Tabitha Bast

The space between us: Parenting and the generation gap