Gemma Weekes Official

Backstory

Gemma Weekes is a critically-acclaimed novelist; poet and performer; screenwriter, story consultant and educator. Her debut novel, Love Me, was published by Random House to critical acclaim and translated into Dutch and Italian. Her writing has appeared widely in journals and anthologies, and her work continues to explore the musicality of language, the complexity of human beings and the histories and imaginative possibilities of the African diaspora.

As a playwright, her work has been performed at Theatre Royal Stratford East, the Royal Festival Hall and Soho House. In screenwriting, she has written for the BBC animated series JoJo & Gran Gran, including the RTS (Royal Television Society) award-winning episode It’s Time to Visit St Lucia. She has also worked extensively with The Line Animation as a story consultant, copywriter and screenwriter, developing original series concepts and creating work for clients including Netflix, Acura, Chobani and Riot Games.

Across these projects, Weekes brings an adaptable, collaborative approach to developing ideas, strengthening stories and finding the clearest and most compelling expression for a piece of work, whether on the page, screen or stage.

Alongside her creative practice, she has taught and facilitated writing and the arts for many years. Her work has included talks, workshops, mentoring and creative development with organisations including the Arvon Foundation, Southbank Centre, Writing Our Legacy, The Complete Works, the Barbican Centre and Sir Arthur Lewis Community College as an adjunct lecturer. She has also taught English and the Arts formally at an international school.

She has recently completed her second novel, a hybrid work of speculative fiction entitled Basquiat & the Black Girl.

Works

"I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of working in different forms. Each form provides a different avenue for expression. A different way of telling the story of how I see the world.”

Books:

Love Me - Debut Novel (Random House)

'Singer and poet Gemma Weekes's first foray into fiction is a delight, with the time-worn coming-of-age love story turned into a fresh, alluring read....' - The Guardian

‘Gemma Weekes is a name to watch. Written in a zingy, street-smart prose, Love Me is a bitter-sweet coming-of-age fable that crackles with reflections on race, migration and music. …’ - The Independent

‘Singer-poet Weekes' fresh take on modern love hits you where you feel it most - and the narrative and linguistic skills don't let up until you reluctantly reach the final page.’ - The Telegraph

'...the dialogue-heavy language is powered by an energy that brings the youthful characters into sharp focus...' - The Metro

Anthologies:

IC3: The Penguin Book of New Black Writing in Britain

Kin: New Fiction by Black and Asian Women

Tell Tales V. 2: the Anthology of Short Stories

Red: Contemporary Black British Poetry

Mechanics Institute Review 2017 book cover

The Mechanics' Institute Review (2017)

Filigree (2018)

Too Young, Too Loud, Too Different

Glimpse (2022)

Stage & Screenwriting:

Her theatre work has been performed at venues including Stratford East Theatre Royal, The Royal Festival Hall, and most recently at Soho House when her Nina Simone-inspired piece When You Are Silent was brought to life by powerhouse actress Tobi Ogunjobi. for major clients such as the BBC on their animated television series ‘JoJo & Gran Gran’

Commercial Consultant/Writer:

Her dogged work ethic and talent for generating ideas within the parameters of a brief make her a wonderful addition to any creative team. CurrentlyHer speed and professionalism have cemented her career as a burgeoning screenwriter and with the Line Animation as a story consultant, copywriter and screenwriter, producing work for brands such as Acura, Chobani and Riot Games.

Services Offered

"If you want something done, give it to a busy person!”

Writer:

Poet, scriptwriter, novelist, short stories, articles… available for commissions, anthologies or whatever you lovelies might dream up.

Script Writing:

I’ve worked on everything from documentary scripts to advertising, animation, theatre and monologues. Ask me for samples.

Story Consultancy:

I offer decades of experience with the architecture of character, story and pacing to help individuals or companies at all stages of the creative process; from conceiving ideas to flushing out any problems later down the line. I can help with advertising, fiction, film, theatre or anything else that involves made-up humans (or anthropomorphic beings).

Copywriting & Social Media:

Clear, engaging copywriting for campaigns, websites, promotional materials and social media. Can help align brand identity with copy; emphasis on voice, clarity, and audience connection.

Editing & Proofreading:

Eagles have nothing on the eye of a ruthless proofreader such as myself. (I do wear some pretty thick glasses though).

Workshops & Coaching:

There are two layers to it: I love helping individuals and groups access their full potential as writers, screenwriters and poets; I also believe that the act of writing can offer incredible benefits for healing and wellbeing.

Talks & Performances:

I’m available to deliver performances of poetry and fiction, book talks, writer motivation or any of my other areas of expertise.

Gemma Weekes