Scottish Fantasy Author and Editor
Shona Kinsella is a Scottish author of Fantasy, Horror and Non-Fiction. She also works as a freelance editor with authors and publishers across the world.
The Heart of Winter
When Brigit is faced with a forced marriage to Aengus, god of Summer, she flees into the highlands in search of the Cailleach, the Queen of Winter. There, she hopes to learn how to live on her own terms, without the need for a man to speak for her, but can she persuade the Cailleach that she is worthy? Caught between two gods and finding an unlikely ally in the Fae witch, Nicnevin, Brigit will be tested to her limits and beyond.
Outlander and the Real Jacobites: Scotland’s Fight for the Stuarts
Outlander has brought the story of the 1745 Jacobite uprising to the popular imagination, but who were the Jacobites, really? Explore this pivotal moment in Scottish history, visiting some of the key locations from Jamie and Claire’s travels. Discover what clan life was really like, read about medicine in the 1700s and find out whether the red coats were really as bad as Jack Randall. Meet Bonnie Prince Charlie and explore how he managed to inspire an uprising from France and then storm England with a force of no more than 5,000 soldiers. Witness the battle of Culloden and what really happened there, before exploring the aftermath of this final attempt for a Stuart restoration.
Upcoming Events
Shona is cooried in for winter and has no more in person events in 2024.
You can catch her at the next BFS Online event on 16th November, when she’ll be interviewing author and mental health champion Dave Jeffrey: BFS Online: Writing and Mental Health – The British Fantasy Society
Praise for Shona Kinsella
“Overall, a wonderful story of hope and love in a hopeless and hateful situation, beautifully written.”
“Inventive subversion of a the idea of a magical bargain with ancient Gods mixes in with gorgeous storytelling and a refreshing read - highly recommended.”
“The Heart of Winter is, quite simply, the best fantasy novel I have read in a long, long time.”
“Beautifully-crafted characterisation bring to life a cast of mortals and ancient Celtic gods and goddesses from Scottish and Irish mythology.”
“beautiful writing, storytelling, and skill”
“Ashael Rising is the first in a unique and superbly-crafted fantasy tale from one of the most singular voices working in indie fantasy today.”
“classic fantasy with a brilliantly modern and subversive lens.”