Speakers Corner

I am Fran Macilvey, a Scottish author and speaker.  I live in Edinburgh, Scotland, with my husband and daughter.

My first book, Trapped: My Life with Cerebral Palsy (Skyhorse, 2014/2016) is a gold medal winner and Amazon International bestseller (ISBN: 9781510704121).

Being born into a body that offers challenges and peculiarly unique perspectives, I have had to learn to cherish the gifts that life brings me, and turn all my many life’s ‘mistakes’ to good account. I’ve learned that depression and loss are not the inevitable companions of a challenging life. I’ve been an optimist, a pessimist, an atheist, a people-pleaser and a wall flower. Now, I just enjoy being me.

Here you can find details of my some of my appearances and upcoming speaking dates.

I am delighted to offer talks and workshops to suit your particular interests and the aims of your organisation. During the time of Covid, all sessions will be conducted remotely via zoom or other on-line platforms at the discretion of the organiser(s). Particular interests include:-

  • Common misunderstandings around disability
  • Dealing with inequality and discrimination
  • How to find happiness and a sense of purpose in challenging times
  • The personal value of writing memoir
  • Effective communication
  • The value of expressing ourselves creatively.

I have been interviewed by Michael McEwan, journalist extraordinaire as part of his regular Thursday evening slot on Able radio; I have guested on Carol Graham’s radio show ‘Never Ever Give Up Hope’ and you can hear our radio interview on Carol Graham’s blog, on Apple i-tunes and as a stitcher podcast.  I so much enjoyed sharing experiences with Carol and I hope you enjoy listening and will encourage all your friends to share, comment and review.

Together with Michael McEwan, I facilitated a workshop at the first SNP party conference for members with disabilities in Glasgow.  I am immensely grateful to Jamie Szymkowiak for this opportunity.

My second book, Happiness Matters (launched at the Edinburgh Offices of the Thistle Foundation) and my third book Making Miracles together explore how we can all find more happiness in life

For a complete list of my articles and appearances please contact me using the ‘contact’ form on this website, through the ‘Live Literature’  scheme of the Scottish Book Trust or by emailing franmacilvey@fastmail.com.

Thanks for reading.

 

Yellow rose