Vivian French

Prolific children’s author Vivian French now lives and works in Edinburgh, but was born in Bedfordshire and has lived in London and Bristol. Originally an actor in children’s theatre, she has also worked in counselling and as a storyteller. Her father was a headmaster but she had an unhappy time at school.

She was first published in 1990, after a fellow author, Diana Hendry, encouraged her to submit one of her stories for publication. Since then she has had over 200 books published, including numerous picture books and popular Tiara Club series of stories for girls.

French is a visiting lecturer at the University of the West of England, and also teaches at the Edinburgh College of Art. She has held Writer in Residence positions at both the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Swansea Festival, and regularly attends other children’s book festivals.

She now lives in Edinburgh, and has four grown up children.