Michelle Scally Clarke is dedicated to helping others express their creativity and wellbeing through writing.

With a wealth of experience and a passion for storytelling, Michelle's work is a reflection of both her unique voice and perspective. Her ability to connect with audiences using her creative expression, sets her apart.

Writing poetry from the age of 13, Michelle found her feet as a performance poet at 27. This led to her becoming a published author of two biographies and starring in national productions such as ‘The World Temple’ and ‘Carnival Messiah’, touring in America, Belgium and The Netherlands. 

In a career spanning more than twenty-six years, Michelle has worked alongside such ‘greats' as Linton Kwesi Johnson, Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, Benjamin Zephaniah, Lemn Sissay, Brian Patten and current poet laureate Simon Armitage.  Published by Route Press, Michelle has written two books and the accompanying albums ‘I Am’ and ‘She Is’, and her work is included in numerous anthologies.    

Michelle pioneered and established the online group the ‘Clear Out Your Closet Collective’. This has become a user-led, peer support group of people suffering with mental ill health issues, often triggered by trauma and distress. The Collective has online members from as far away as Finland. 

Michelle’s projects often bridge culture, health, and community, such as her NHS-commissioned plays Jeans, Whose Genes? and Suitcase, both were theatre workshop focused on youth mental health and well-being for Yorkshire schools.During the COVID lockdowns, Michelle worked on projects to improve well-being in the community including ‘Colour Our City Green’.

Other collaborations include work with Leeds Beckett University, Artlink, Leeds Lieder, further projects with Leeds Playhouse and the Huddersfield Literature Festival. In 2023, Michelle worked with the BBC, participating in ‘Contains Strong Language’, and her autobiographical piece ‘Looking at Leeds’ was featured on Radio 3’s ‘The Essay’. Most recently, Michelle was commissioned by Proper Job Theatre Co to be one of the scriptwriters for their production of ‘Beowulf’.

Based in Leeds, today her expertise lies in empowering individuals and teams through storytelling, poetry, and reflective writing. Her work creates safe, transformative spaces where people can express themselves, reconnect with self-purpose, and improve their emotional wellbeing.