Margaret Skea

I am an Hawthornden Fellow, prize-winning historical novelist and short story writer, previously employed as a creative writing tutor. I grew up in Ulster at the height of the Troubles, but now live with my husband in the Scottish Borders.

Awards include:

• Turn of the Tide: Historical Fiction winner in an Harper Collins competition (pre-publication) discussed on the Alan Titchmarsh Show; Beryl Bainbridge Award for Best First Time Author 2014. (post publication)
• A House Divided: Longlist Historical Novel Society New Novel Award 2016
• Katharina: Deliverance: Runner-up in the Historical Novel Society International Novel Award Award 2018

Short story credits include: Neil Gunn, Chrysalis Prize, Winchester Short Story, Booktown Writers, Mslexia, Rubery, Fish Short Story, Matthew Pritchard Award and Fish One Page Prize.

I am passionate about authenticity and particularly interested in the concept of living within conflict, and the resultant pressures on family, relationships, the tensions created by diverse loyalties and tribalism, and the accompanying moral, ethical and emotional dilemmas.

I am happy to do readings, talks, workshops and presentations, whether formal or informal, interactive or straightforward, in any venue or setting. I have extensive experience of working with children and teenagers on creative writing and particular historical topics.

(Photo credit: Hector Innes Photography)