The Writers of Wales Database

McCARTHY, MARIA

Website: http://www.mariamccarthy.co.uk/
Blog: www.mariamccarthy2.blogspot.com  
Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/mariamccarthy1

Maria was brought up in Cardiff and went to Howell’s School Llandaff. Since leaving, her career has been quite varied. After a few years working as a press officer for various charities including Mind and Shelter, she went to Romania as an aid worker. Following that, she took a range of jobs including cook, gardener and artists’ model.

She then moved into journalism and has written for a range of magazines and newspapers including The Guardian, The Independent, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Red, Company and Top Sante. Having previously lectured at Bath University, she now teaches 'Freelance Journalism' and 'Path to Publication' workshops at Bristol University, and lectures on the postgraduate Journalism course at Cardiff University. Maria has run 'Writing for Publication' workshops at Ilkley, Daphne du Maurier, Warwick Words, Birmingham and Bath Literature Festivals and at Salisbury International Arts Festival. She has also run sessions on 'Publicising Your Book' for the Society of Authors and the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is an experienced creative writing tutor and has tutored both adult education classes and residential writing workshops. Maria regularly appears on Radio Wales.

Her first book, The Girls’ Guide to Losing Your L Plates – How to Pass your Driving Test, has been published by Simon and Schuster. It was inspired by her own efforts to acquire a driving licence – an achievement which eluded her until she turned 40! She is a member of the Society of Authors, the Guild of Health Writers and Women in Journalism. Maria lives in Devon. 

Reviews:
With regards The Girls’ Guide to Losing Your L Plates – How to Pass your Driving Test (Simon and Schuster, 2007):

”…Entertaining and informative, this book will appeal to learner drivers and instructors alike…”
Kathy Higgins, Motor Schools Association News

“…A new book that will transform the most timid learner into a fully licensed queen of the road…”
Adrian Pettit, Sunday Express

Of her workshops:

“…Thank you so much for giving us such an excellent talk. It was packed full of just the right sort of tried and tested information, with the perfect balance of realism and enthusiasm…"
Emma Boniwell, Society of Authors

“...Your workshop was, for me, one of the best of the Festival. It was so informative and entertaining – and I’ve never seen attendees make so many  notes!..."
Rachel Levy, Events Assistant, Bath Literature Festival


Selected Publications:
The Girls’ Guide to Losing Your L Plates – How to Pass your Driving Test (Simon and Schuster, 2007)
The Girl’s Car Handbook (Pocket Books, 2008)



The Girls’ Guide to Losing Your L Plates – How to Pass your Driving Test (Simon and Schuster, 2007)

Stylish and Fun, The Girls’ Guide to Losing Your L Plates is a deeply practical aid for every woman learning to drive. Driving instructors add off-the-record advice, the truth is revealed about driving test myths and there’s helpful advice for driving after you’ve passed.  

To purchase this title from amazon.co.uk, please click on its front cover