Kelly McCaughrain is an Irish author, born in Belfast and known for her YA novels. From a young age, McCaughrain was an avid reader and began writing when she was just six years old. However, she kept her writing a secret until she was 35. Growing up, she was particularly fond of Anne of Green Gables, and often found herself lost in the world of this classic series.
McCaughrain spent her childhood in Belfast, but often felt like she was living in nineteenth-century Avonlea, thanks to the influence of the Anne of Green Gables books. She was so engrossed in these stories that she admits to not paying much attention to her own childhood. Despite starting to write at a young age, McCaughrain kept her writing a secret for many years, only revealing it when she was in her mid-thirties.
McCaughrain studied at Queens University Belfast, where she pursued two degrees for her own enjoyment. She is married to Michael and together they share a love for their ancient VW campervan, Gerda. McCaughrain's writing career took off with her first YA novel, Flying Tips for Flightless Birds, which won the CBI Book of the Year and NI Book Award, and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal. She has also served as the QUB Children's Writing Fellow from 2019-2021.
In addition to her work as an author, McCaughrain enjoys leading a Fighting Words creative writing club for teen writers. She finds inspiration in the brilliance of these young writers and is constantly impressed by their talent and creativity. When she's not writing or leading writing workshops, McCaughrain can be found seeking adventure in her unreliable VW campervan, traveling to countries where she may not be able to say "fan belt" in the local language.