Catherine Simpson

I am a novelist, memoir writer, poet and journalist.

My first novel, Truestory, (Sandstone Press, 2016) was inspired by raising my autistic daughter, Nina. We now campaign together (and separately) for Autism Acceptance. My memoir, When I Had a Little Sister, (Fourth Estate, 2019) is about the death by suicide of my sister Tricia and is an exploration of how we become the people we are.

My second volume of memoir, One Body (2022), was published by Saraband. It explores growing up and growing older in a female body and is structured around my year with breast cancer.

I was Creative Writing Fellow for Tyne & Esk Writers, 2017/2018 offering writing groups one-to-one feedback. I was writer-in-residence at Coastword Festival 2017, for which I wrote a poetry pamphlet: Mrs Carlyle had Many Lovers.   I have run writing workshops for many groups including Penicuik Arts Association, Midlothian Libraries, Oban Adult Literacy and Open the Door Festival. I tailor each workshop to meet the needs of the group.

I have also run a week-long memoir-writing course at Garsdale Retreat in the Yorkshire Dales. I am happy to take part in talks, Q&A's, readings, panel events and book groups and love to meet readers and talk about all things bookish.