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Rebecca McFarland Writes

About

Originally from London, I’m an advertising copywriter living in Edinburgh with my large family.

After being disqualified from a top advertising award by a dastardly nemesis, I turned to script and fiction writing to win something much better instead.

So far, my evil plan is working.

  • Longlisted for the CWA Emerging Author Dagger 2026.
  • Longlisted for another prestigious novel award – details presently embargoed.
  • Won a BBC Writersroom comedy script competition. I was mentored by a BBC producer in Glasgow and selected scenes were performed at a BBC showcase at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
  • Made the top 75 in the Blue Pencil Agency First Novel Award.
  • Made the second round of judging for flash fiction in the Bridport Prize.
  • Won more than 150 creative advertising awards. Narrowly denied a D&AD Pencil for copy.

The joy of writing my own stories is the biggest win of all.

Rebecca with dog and caravan

Books

When I sit down to write serious fiction, something daft comes out. My editor is Mark Stay (Witches of Woodville series /End of Magic series), who keeps it coherent.

THE MADAM OF MORNINGSIDE

Crime/rom-com · Set in Edinburgh, 2005 · Complete at 85k words

Radical protestor Monty is summoned to Edinburgh by the well-to-do grandmother she never knew existed. Believing Celia to run a cattery, she’s horrified to discover it’s a front for a seniors’ vice ring – with some very unexpected clients.

THE MANHATTAN MAGICAL EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

Caustic cosy contemporary adult fantasy · Set between Manhattan and the Scottish Highlands · Complete at 82k words

A twist on the Cinderella story, chaotic half-fae Mackenzie seeks her mother, not a prince. First she must fix her broken magic, outsmart her toxic stepmother and appease her fierce fairy godmother – a dude you wouldn’t mess with.

Member of ESFF, the BXP Team and Edinburgh Writers’ Forum. Currently un-agented. But flirting. To read more, please get in touch:

Contact

Where to find me

I write at my little caravan in the Highlands whenever I can. And before I get out of bed every morning.

@rebeccamcfarlandwrites

Dog by a window