Katharine McMahon

Katharine McMahon is a British writer born in north-west London. She is an historical novelist who, since 1990, has published six books. McMahon is the best-selling author of "The Rose of Sebastopol" which was officially announced on December 27, 2007 as one of the ten titles for the Richard & Judy Book Club 2008. McMahon’s book was subsequently reviewed on the Channel 4 Richard & Judy Show on January 24, 2008. The Rose of Sebastopol was shortlisted for the Best Read Award at the Galaxy British Book Awards 2008. "The Rose of Sebastopol" was on the Sunday Times "Best Seller List" and was a "Waterstone's No.1 Bestseller". McMahon's previous book 'The Alchemist's Daughter' was one of "Waterstone's Paperbacks of the Year" in 2006.

Background

McMahon studied English and Drama at University of Bristol. She later qualified as a teacher of English and Drama and taught at a Hertfordshire comprehensive school. She taught writing skills with the Royal Literary Fund at the University of Hertfordshire and University of Warwick, and was made a Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire in 2001-3. She is currently an Advisory Fellow. In her report, "What's Going on with Students' Writing?"(2004) McMahon explored the state of writing in British universities.

McMahon also trained as a magistrate in Hertfordshire and has designed training courses for magistrates. Additionally, she has written and performed in local theatre, the Abbey Theatre in St Albans, her last role was in Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. She has also performed at the Edinburgh Festival and appeared on BBC Radio Four in Woman’s Hour. McMahon has also worked as a lyricist on various projects.

Books

*"Footsteps" (Re-released) Phoenix 2008 ISBN 0753825449
*"The Rose of Sebastopol" Weidenfeld & Nicolson 2007 ISBN 0753823748
*"The Alchemist's Daughter" Weidenfeld & Nicolson 2006 ISBN 0297850857
*"After Mary" Flamingo 2000, paperback 2001 ISBN 0006551556
*"Confinement" Flamingo 1998, paperback 1999 ISBN 0006550800
*"Footsteps" Flamingo 1997, paperback 1998 ISBN 0006550371
*"A Way through the Woods" Sinclair Stevenson 1989, Bantam Books 1992 ISBN 0553404318

Lyrics

*"Check-out Lil" (with Eric Angus). Composed for Mercury Workshop Musical Revue. Director Julia Mackenzie. Also performed on Loose Ends for BBC Radio 4
*"Secret Tower" (with James McConnel). Song commissioned by the award-winning actress and singer Janie Dee Performed in her one-woman show at the National Theatre Studio and subsequently on tour.
*"Girls' World" (with Jenny Bennett). A musical commissioned by John Kelly Girls' Technology College

External links

* [http://www.katharinemcmahon.com (Official website)]
* [http://www.magistrates-association.org.uk/about_magistrates/meet-some-magistrates.htm (Author as magistrate - McMahon's article 'A Foot in Another World' for the Magistrates Association)]