Kirsty Stanley – Writer

Hi, I’m Kirsty Stanley, born in 1978 so I’m definitely Gen Goonie!

I live in Dorset with my two dogs, Jackchi Daire and Chihuahua Allia (actually named after some characters from one of my works in progress).

I have written for as long as I can remember (although that isn’t saying much as I feel like Dory with my memory some days). But I do have evidence of having always written on and off.

The first time I tried to write a novel was probably back in the late 90s when I was at university studying Occupational Therapy (which is my day job). I didn’t ever finish that story but funnily enough it was also vampire related which is a genre I do really enjoy and I have at least four vampire themed projects on the go currently.

I decided to study English Literature with the Open University (for fun) and eventually got a degree in Literature (with a diploma in Literature and Creative Writing). More recently I have been working with the Golden Egg Academy and am now on their Mentoring programme with my young adult novel Lost Girls which I am manifesting querying in Autumn 2026.

I’m also currently completely a Masters in Creative Practice at the Make Happen Institute and writing a young adult dark academia horror for that.

I am disabled, I have Long Covid, am late diagnosed ADHD and have Severe Asthma. These topics naturally creep their way into my writing.

Although my current focus is on writing for young adults my plan longer term is to write across age groups. I consume books aimed at all ages because a good story is good for anyone.

Other than writing I love musical theatre, film, journaling, crafting and generally being creative. I definitely lean left politically and don’t stay silent about topics I’m passionate about. Check out where else you can find my wittering here.