Helen MacKinven

I write contemporary Scottish fiction, with a particular interest in exploring themes such as social class and identity, using black comedy and featuring Scots dialect. I graduated with merit from Stirling University with an MLitt in Creative Writing in 2012.

As well as being the author of two published novels, my background is in primary teaching but I have concentrated on training and development during my career in education. I am a literacy consultant with The Learning Zoo, delivering training to teachers across Scotland in the Reflective Reading programme, and I have over 25 years of experience in the design and delivery of training to teachers and working with pupils of all ages.

I was a Scottish Book Trust writer in residence at Levenmouth Academy in Fife, working in the English Department with senior pupils. The project's aim was for pupils to express themselves in writing using their own unique voice and explore how they see themselves and their community. I also champion the voices of working class women in literature and the importance of oral history.

I can tailor talks or workshops to suit audience requirements and also have experience of hosting book launches and spoken word events.

(Works in Scots)