BIOGRAPHY

Lea Taylor is an author and professional storyteller with a fondness for the ridiculous and a keen eye for a story. Writing and performing both nationally and internationally, Lea has stopped double-decker buses on the Royal Mile as part of her art and enjoys dressing up (despite the challenges of driving with crinolines). Always prepared, she keeps a toffee hammer close at hand.

A graduate of Edinburgh University, Lea lives in Scotland with her husband, son, and two rescue dogs. Her eclectic book collection ranges from contemporary folklore to children's books and novels for adults. As an avid tea drinker, she has a particular fondness for tea cakes.

Lea Taylor's love of storytelling and writing has been evident since her early school days when her reports frequently remarked that she "talks too much." With over 18 years of experience as a freelance storyteller and writer, Lea is passionate about sharing her love for reading and writing, inspiring others along the way. Having a background in Community Education, Lea has worked with a wide range of groups and settings, bringing a wealth of skills to any event. She has specialist training in literacies is trauma informed and is known for her excellent planning, evaluation, and organisational skills.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Published works with The History Press, including Midlothian Folk Tales and Animals Beasties and Monsters of Scotland.
• Successful performance and tour of The Purple White and Green, the story of the Scottish Suffragettes, which included a show in the Scottish Parliament and a tour across Scotland and Canada.
• Launch of her latest novel series, starting with The House Beside the Cherry Tree and followed by Blossom on the Wind.
• Launch of children's picture book series: Malaky Midge and the Loch Ness Monster & Malaky Midge and the Highland Dance
• Registered with the Scottish Book Trust and TRACS (Scottish National Network for Traditional Arts and Culture).
• Lea's "A Child of The 60's" exhibition on The Royal Mile featured stories she had written and recorded, with artists creating works based on her stories.
• Lea paired up to work with Sylvia Troon, providing poems to Sylvia's paintings on seascapes and woods and exhibiting on the Royal Mile. They are planning another similar exhibition in 2026
• Creator and host of the Tell Me More podcast series, podcasts discussing interesting historical supported by Made in Midlothian.
• Co-founder of The Book Whisperers Community Platform, offering free and paid online writing courses.