Every new member brings a unique voice to Creative Opps, and Quinn Collins joined with a blend of journalistic precision and poetic depth. As a video game journalist for Pocket Tactics, Quinn navigates fast-paced deadlines and sharp, analytical storytelling. Away from the newsroom, their creative practice turns inward — crafting memoir and poetry that delve into politics, mental health, and the complexities of human relationships.
Quinn’s work is grounded in authenticity, shaped by lived experience, and fuelled by an openness to both joy and pain. Whether reflecting on personal history, building community through shared stories, or encouraging others to write what makes them feel free, they bring an unflinching honesty to every project. Since joining Creative Opps, Quinn has found not just inspiration, but a network of peers who have boosted their confidence and reminded them they’re never alone in their journey.
Part 1 – Getting to know Quinn:
Who are you, and how would you describe your creative practice? My name is Quinn Collins and I’m a writer and journalist. I currently work for Pocket Tactics as a video game journalist, but my personal writing focuses on memoir and poetry, with a particular interest in the intersections between politics, mental health, and relationships.
What drew you to this field? I’ve always been an expressive person. After finishing my Politics degree, I realised I had a lot to say about my life experiences and how they connect to the world around me. I liked creative writing as a child and kept up poetry throughout my life, so pursuing writing more seriously felt like a natural return.
What’s something you’re working on right now that excites you? I just started my new job at Pocket Tactics, which has been taking up a lot of time, but I’m proud of the writing I’ve done there so far. I’m also continually working on poems that feel significant to me, and I’m developing ideas for a continuation of my memoir, which began as my final project for my Writing MA.
Who or what is inspiring you lately? A lot of my inspiration comes from people who’ve hurt me — which might sound strange — but because so much of my work is about mental health, writing is an important outlet for processing those experiences. My friends and partner also inspire me, and I enjoy challenging myself to write about things that make me happy, even though that’s harder for me.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out? Write what makes you feel free. Don’t write fiction because it sells — write it because you want to. Many of my writing friends have taken regular jobs so they can keep writing what they love, and I think that’s brilliant. It means writing never becomes a chore. If you’re lucky enough to write commercially about something you enjoy, like me with video games, that’s great — but I know how hard it is to get started in this industry. You’re not alone, and you can always reach out if you want to chat.
What does community mean to you in your work or creative life? Community is essential to me — both in the way I need my writing community to do my best work, and in how much of my writing is about collective struggle, collective pain, and collective joy (when that occurs).
What does it mean to be a Creative Opps Member? Being part of Creative Opps has massively boosted my confidence as an artist and introduced me to some really special people. When I was struggling to find work, knowing I wasn’t alone was hugely comforting and important to me.
Anything else you’d like to add? A big shoutout to the Warwick Writing MA class of 2024 — you were and are instrumental to my practice, and I’ll never stop loving you. ❤️
Part 2 – Key Takeaways
Authenticity over market trends. For Quinn, writing is an act of liberation, not a product to be shaped purely by sales. They encourage fellow writers to follow their own instincts and passions, rather than chasing what’s commercially popular.
Balancing two worlds — journalism and creative writing. Quinn works full-time as a video game journalist at Pocket Tactics, while continuing to nurture their personal practice in memoir and poetry. This dual focus allows them to keep developing their craft without sacrificing creative freedom.
Life experience as a driving force. Their work draws deeply from their own life — the joyful moments, but also the difficult and painful ones. Especially in relation to mental health, Quinn sees writing as an outlet to process and share those experiences in a way that resonates with others.
Projects in motion. Alongside their new journalism role, Quinn is developing a continuation of their memoir from their Writing MA and working on poems that feel deeply personal and important to their.
The challenge of joy. While pain often provides easy access to strong emotions on the page, Quinn pushes themself to also write about happiness. They treat it as a creative challenge that expands their emotional range as a writer.
Community as creative backbone. Quinn’s writing is often about collective struggle, collective pain, and collective joy — and they draw strength from being part of a supportive writing community that keeps them inspired and accountable.
Creative Opps as a confidence boost. Joining Creative Opps gave Quinn a stronger belief in themself as an artist, along with the comfort of knowing they weren’t alone during a difficult job search. The network of “special and cool people” they’ve met has been invaluable.
Commitment to solidarity. Their writing is rooted in the belief that connection and mutual support are essential — not just for artists, but for communities as a whole.
Connect with Quinn
Instagram: @quinnwritesthings
Website: quinnwritesthings.substack.com
LinkedIn: Quinn Collins