My name is Rachel and I’m a writer based in my adopted home of the North East of England (I’ve lived here for over 15 years, and I still can’t do the accent!).
I write stories and non-fiction for middle grade and early teen audiences, exploring contemporary themes and settings. I like to write novels which are entertaining and character-led, and non-fiction which explores technology and culture.
I’ve always loved reading books, and previously I’ve worked in libraries (I’m a Chartered Librarian, actually!), with Seven Stories: The National Centre for Children’s Books, and now I host a Little Free Library. And for the last couple of years, I’ve been writing books too!
The Novels
My novel for middle grade audiences won the Hachette Children’s Novel Award at the Northern Writers Awards 2023. My novels have also been longlisted for the Chapter Book Prize, selected for the WriteMentor Summer Mentoring Programme, and named a Reader’s Favourite in their Novel-in-Development Awards.
Flash Fiction and Short Stories
Exploring mental health, my children’s short stories have been longlisted for Northern Gravy, came runner-up in the Swanwick Children’s Fiction competition, and included in the Crossing the Tees 2023 anthology. And I play around with flash fiction too!
The Tactile Book
I wrote, illustrated and made a tactile book for the ClearVision Project, which represented the UK at the Typhlo & Tactus International Competition 2022.
With the support of Arts Council England to develop my children's writing into a sustainable part of my professional practice in 2024, in 2025 I've been working on setting up Aralyn Press and publishing my first novel, Seven: Distracted Detective!
I’m a member of children’s writer’s and artists group SSWAG and the WriteMentor Hub.
I do lots of work with the cultural and creative sector too. I'm currently a director and trustee of Mortal Fools and I host a Little Free Library.
Still have questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please get in touch and I'll be happy to help.
How can I read / buy your books?
Do you offer school visits?
Can you speak at my event / to my community group?
Can you give me writing advice, read my manuscript or critique my story idea?
I’ve got a project idea – would you like to collaborate with me?
If you’d like me to run a workshop, speak at an event, or collaborate on a creative writing project, I’d love to hear from you.
