Rebecca Smith

I am a writer and journalist originally from Cumbria but now based in Central Scotland. My first book, Rural: The Lives of the Working-Class Countryside was published by William Collins in June 2023 and was a Guardian Book of the Day. The book is about growing up in tied housing, rural communities and rural industries such as farming and forestry.

I have written for The New York Times, The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sunday Post. Before becoming a writer, I worked in radio at the BBC studios in Glasgow, producing and co-presenting radio shows.

I am happy to give workshops, talks and readings on the writing process for any age. I have worked for many years with primary and secondary pupils whilst working within the BBC, mainly delivering events on podcast making and interviewing techniques. I can tailor workshops to suit any ability and situation.

I have chaired numerous authors such as Maggie O’Farell and Cal Flyn at book festivals and would also be happy to act as a witing mentor to teenagers or adults, guiding them along the writing and publishing process.

(Photo credit: Lina Hayes)