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I'm Clare O'Brien - a freelance writer and editor born in London but now based with my Scottish husband in the western Highlands. As a journalist,I'm interested in music, movies, books, lifestyle and travel, and have also written business and trade features. I've been published in a range of newspapers and magazines both in the UK and abroad. Read some published clips here or contact me for a full CV.
I write PR and website content and handle research and administration for various freelance clients, particularly in the entertainment, hospitality and tourism sectors. On a local level, I organise and promote local theatre and music events for regional Scottish promoter, West Coast Arts. I'm part of the international team working for American singer, songwriter and musical icon Chris Cornell and I also worked for some time as personal assistant to Stephen Cleobury, the celebrated conductor, composer, choirmaster and Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge.
As an author, I'm currently editing a collection of my own short stories provisionally titled Thin Places: Modern Slipstream Fiction From The Highlands and have several non-fiction projects in development. I have published many short stories, poems and articles in magazines and anthologies both in the UK and the US. I've also published a full-length non-fiction book, Living And Working in London which was intended as a guide for foreign visitors arriving in the capital for an extended stay.
My special interests? I'm passionate about music. I'm part of revolutionary net-based music project Species 8742, I sing in jazz covers band Black Cherry, and writing about music and musicians from all genres has been one of my specialisms since the 1990s - as has reviewing books and movies and interviewing authors and other celebrities for both print and online media.
As a qualified high school teacher, I am a registered literacy course tutor for learndirect: I'm also a member of The National Union of Journalists and the Society of Authors. I also have a role in our family tourism business Coille Bheag which provides self-catering holidays on our lochside croft, and I help grow our organic fruit & vegetables.
