Christopher David Rose

Christopher David Rose completed a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing at Edge Hill University. Known in print as C.D. Rose, he was announced as the winner of the 2025 £10,000 Goldsmith Prize for his novel, We Live Here Now.

“It was quite overwhelming, to be honest,” he says. “While it was flattering to be on the list, I really didn’t think that I’d win. When the judge announced my name, I wasn’t sure I’d heard it correctly.”

“Any writer will tell you that it’s great to have some recognition – whether that’s simply one person telling you they enjoyed reading your work or being awarded a prize.

I hope that it will mean more people reading my work and short fiction more generally.”

Christopher says his time at Edge Hill was transformative: “My time at Edge Hill made my reading and writing more methodical and less haphazard. It really made me think seriously about being a writer and take my writing seriously.”

During his PhD, Christopher was supervised by Professor Ailsa Cox, whose influence he describes as “hugely significant.” 

“Ailsa’s work, both at Edge Hill and beyond, has been amazing, her scholarship, creative output and championing of short fiction have been hugely influential. I was also lucky to work with Rodge Glass, Robert Sheppard, Claire Dean and Sarah Schofield, who have all been brilliant in their own ways.” 

Awarded a PhD bursary, Christopher says the support he received was vital: “That generosity made it all possible,” he said. “Edge Hill really is different. I instantly liked the people and the place, as so different to anywhere else I’ve studied.” 

What he enjoyed most about studying at Edge Hill: “Getting to know my supervisors and the rest of the PhD cohort was my favourite part.”

The experience and skills learned during his studies, Christopher said: “Critical acumen, precision in writing and argument, and extended reading, those are the top skills I gained. They benefit me constantly, in both my academic and creative work.”

Like many writers and researchers, Christopher came across challenges with the creative process, he said: “The biggest challenges have been the slump any writer or student will recognise, that moment when you wonder quite what you’re doing, and why. When you feel overwhelmed by all the material and unable to find a way through it. When you feel that you might as well chuck it all in.”

Christopher’s advice to current students: “Keep on reading and writing, and persist, persist, persist.”

Talking about the future, Christopher said: “I have a couple of new things that I’m working on that I’m enjoying writing. I’m not quite sure yet what form they’ll take but keep an eye out for them!”

Following a visit to Edge Hill to speak to current students, Christopher commented: “I’m always impressed by how sharp the students are at Edge Hill, and that’s down to the great tuition they get.”

Christopher Rose’s persistence, craft, and creative courage is a shining example of the talent that continues to emerge from Edge Hill’s writing community.