Catherine Fisher

Born in 1957 in Newport, Wales, Catherine Fisher is a prolific author recognized for her contributions to children's and Young Adult fantasy literature. She holds a degree in English Literature and Education from the University of Wales. Before dedicating herself to full-time writing in 2002, Fisher gained diverse experience as a primary school teacher, an archaeologist, and a university lecturer in creative writing.

Her extensive bibliography includes over 40 novels and five volumes of poetry, translated into more than 30 languages. Fisher's writing often incorporates elements of myth, legend, and folklore, characterized by vivid characters and precise, evocative language. She has received accolades such as the Welsh Books Council Tir na n'Og prize twice. Her internationally bestselling novels, Incarceron and Sapphique, achieved New York Times bestseller status and were named Times Book of the Year.

Catherine Fisher's literary output is deeply rooted in fantasy, encompassing both Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction. Her works frequently weave together myth, legend, and folktales, breathing new life into traditional narratives. She is particularly noted for her re-tellings of Welsh myths and legends, such as 'The Cat With Iron Claws' and 'Culhwch and Olwen'. Fisher's prose is distinguished by its vibrant characterizations and a language style that is both precise and evocative, creating immersive worlds for her readers. This distinctive approach has led to numerous awards and shortlistings for her books.

Beyond her acclaimed prose for younger audiences, Fisher is also an accomplished poet. She has published several poetry collections, including 'Immrama' (1988), which won the Welsh Arts Council Young Writers' Prize, 'The Unexplored Ocean' (c. 1994), 'Altered States' (1999), and 'The Bramble King' (2019). Her poem 'Marginalia' earned her the Cardiff International Poetry Competition prize in 1989. Fisher has also released a poetry pamphlet, 'Folklore' (2003), and her poems have appeared in various literary magazines and anthologies, demonstrating a consistent engagement with poetic form throughout her career.

Fisher's background is as varied as her writing. She has worked as an archaeologist, providing a unique perspective that may inform her imaginative storytelling. Her teaching career includes roles as a primary school teacher and a university instructor specializing in writing for children. She is also an experienced broadcaster and adjudicator, and has taught at respected writing centers like the Arvon Foundation and Ty Newydd. Since 2002, she has focused entirely on her writing career, residing in Wales.