Carolyn Gillespie

Writer, Editor, Tutor

I am a writer, editor and creative writing tutor. I lead creative writing workshops throughout Surrey and am a mentor at Ministry of Stories.

My best-selling memoir, Pilgrim, tells the story of a very long walk to Santiago de Compostela. My poetry has been published in numerous literary magazines and anthologies, and I was awarded the Wells International Poetry Prize in 2022. My debut novel, Visitation, was published in December 2025.

I am originally from Scotland, but moved to the south a few years ago and now live in Surrey. After reading English at Oxford University, a short career in publishing was followed by a longer career as an English teacher. I have an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Surrey.

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“Joyous and inspirational read - a wonderful gift to share.”

“Two enriching journeys in one beautiful book.”

“This book takes you on an adventure of a lifetime, the beauty of the Camino is brought vividly to life by this gifted writer. It travels beyond the physical world into the human heart and will stay with you long after you close its pages.”

““A darkly atmospheric coming-of-age story so haunting it kept me riveted until the very last page.”
Jane Hennigan, author of Moths

“Gillespie perfectly captures the contradictory desires of adolescence through the brilliantly feisty Ella, whose spiky vulnerability stole my heart from the very first page.”
Louise Finch, Carnegie Prize Shortlisted author of The Eternal Return of Clara Hart

“For a book about dislocation, it is a beautifully located book!”
Alice Tarbuck, author of A Spell in the Wild”