Vivian was first published in 1990, a natural progression after careers in the theatre, in counselling and in storytelling. Since then, she has established an enviable reputation as a writer of integrity and imagination, a writer illustrators love to work with, and a writer her readers want to meet.
It’s very nice of her to say that ... actually, I love meeting people and talking to them. Other people’s lives are so fascinating. If you’re hoping to find out how I got to be an author have a look at the li<x>nks to the interviews...
Despite publishing well over 200 ti<x>tles, Vivian has led a very busy life away from her keyboard conducting writing workshops for both children and adults, teaching at Edinburgh College of Art, and mentoring new writers and illustrators.
Spending time with new illustrators is really exciting. They are so enthusiastic, and full of new and fresh ideas. The children’s book world is a small one in many ways, but meeting the talent of the future is a real thrill.
She is proud to have appeared at every Swansea Book Festival, and as a result developed several theatre pieces in conjunction with local schools. She has been Writer in Residence at the Edinburgh International Book Festival and in 2004, her play, Hambledog and the Hopping Clogs was performed to great critical and audience acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe.
I was DELIGHTED that Hambledog was hopping again; it was performed at the Young Vic studio theatre in 1976/7, and I toured with it as well. I was Granny Cobble ... but that was a long time ago.
In 2009 her play about two teenagers, Baby Baby, toured Scotland, winning four star reviews and ending with a sell out performance at the Traverse, Edinburgh. See review by Joyce McMillan, the Scotsman
During the late 90s, Vivian was a stalwart of a groundbreaking Scottish project, The Readiscovery Book Bus, visiting schools throughout mainland and island Scotland where she established a very devoted readership, and was inspired to write even more stories. She now travels less ... or so she says. Her family are not convinced.
Oh - I did so LOVE the Book Bus! It was a truly wonderful time, and I’ll be forever grateful to the Scottish Book trust for making it possible. I’m still madly in love with the Western Isles...
Vivian has lived mainly in London, Bristol and now Edinburgh. She is married with four daughters, and three grandchildren, and she has one goldfish.

Vivian was first published in 1990, a natural progression after careers in the theatre, in counselling and in storytelling. Since then, she has established an enviable reputation as a writer of integrity and imagination, a writer illustrators love to work with, and a writer her readers want to meet.
It’s very nice of her to say that ... actually, I love meeting people and talking to them. Other people’s lives are so fascinating. If you’re hoping to find out how I got to be an author have a look at the li<x>nks to the interviews...
Despite publishing well over 200 ti<x>tles, Vivian has led a very busy life away from her keyboard conducting writing workshops for both children and adults, teaching at Edinburgh College of Art, and mentoring new writers and illustrators.
Spending time with new illustrators is really exciting. They are so enthusiastic, and full of new and fresh ideas. The children’s book world is a small one in many ways, but meeting the talent of the future is a real thrill.
She is proud to have appeared at every Swansea Book Festival, and as a result developed several theatre pieces in conjunction with local schools. She has been Writer in Residence at the Edinburgh International Book Festival and in 2004, her play, Hambledog and the Hopping Clogs was performed to great critical and audience acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe.
I was DELIGHTED that Hambledog was hopping again; it was performed at the Young Vic studio theatre in 1976/7, and I toured with it as well. I was Granny Cobble ... but that was a long time ago.
In 2009 her play about two teenagers, Baby Baby, toured Scotland, winning four star reviews and ending with a sell out performance at the Traverse, Edinburgh. See review by Joyce McMillan, the Scotsman
During the late 90s, Vivian was a stalwart of a groundbreaking Scottish project, The Readiscovery Book Bus, visiting schools throughout mainland and island Scotland where she established a very devoted readership, and was inspired to write even more stories. She now travels less ... or so she says. Her family are not convinced.
Oh - I did so LOVE the Book Bus! It was a truly wonderful time, and I’ll be forever grateful to the Scottish Book trust for making it possible. I’m still madly in love with the Western Isles...
Vivian has lived mainly in London, Bristol and now Edinburgh. She is married with four daughters, and three grandchildren, and she has one goldfish.