Kit de Waal is a contemporary, award-winning writer whose works touch the hearts of readers worldwide, making them reflect on important issues. She began writing for pleasure, never suspecting just how popular her work would become. Let’s delve into the life and work of this renowned Birmingham resident. More at birminghamka.
Professional Life
Kit de Waal was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Born into a family of modest means, she had to make her own way in the world. The writer’s real name is Mandy Theresa O’Loughlin. She was born in Birmingham in 1960 and holds dual British and Irish citizenship.
Her mother, a native of Ireland, was a foster carer and childminder, and her father was a bus driver from the Caribbean. Growing up within the Irish community, she was distinguished from childhood by her curiosity, desire to learn, and perseverance. Mandy attended Waverley Grammar School. At 16, she left and took on various odd jobs, working as a waitress, massage therapist, backing singer, and administrator. Mandy then decided to build a career in law, and for 15 years, the Brummie worked in criminal and family law.
Mandy Theresa O’Loughlin also worked in social services, sitting on adoption and foster care panels. This field is particularly close to her heart, and she established herself as a skilled professional dealing with issues surrounding foster families. Incidentally, Mandy herself became a foster mother to two children.
First Steps in Writing
As for her creative side, Mandy had a childhood interest in the humanities, loving to read and write. She wrote short pieces as a hobby, pursuing it in her spare time away from work and family commitments. But once her children were older, Mandy decided to try her hand at writing professionally.
She enrolled at Oxford Brookes University, a prestigious public university in Oxford. The Brummie earned a Master’s degree in Creative Writing. Inspired by her studies, she began dedicating more time to her own work under the pen name Kit de Waal. At that point, she was 45 years old, her children were grown, and it took considerable courage to decide to radically change her life.
“My Name Is Leon”
Kit de Waal tried writing both short stories and full-length novels. She had an audience, but it was relatively small compared to other successful writers. Everything changed in 2016 with the publication of her debut novel, which became an international bestseller: “My Name Is Leon.”
Readers worldwide were struck by the heart-wrenching story of two brothers, Leon and Jake. Set during the 1980s, their childhood unfolds against a backdrop of racial discrimination. The brothers are separated and placed in different foster homes, yet they learn to find joy in simple things, bravely enduring life’s hardships. The novel tackles themes that leave no one indifferent: the separation of loved ones, adoption, injustice, and the will to live.
“My Name Is Leon” received numerous awards. Following its success, Kit de Waal began to publish other works, which her fans eagerly awaited. But success and fame didn’t go to the Brummie’s head. She immediately began thinking about how she could help others, including aspiring writers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Social Activism
The people of Birmingham hold Kit de Waal in high regard. She is actively involved in social work and supports vulnerable groups. Here are just a few examples of her activism:
- Supporting Care Services: Kit de Waal advises on issues related to foster children and has written several training manuals on adoption and foster care.
- Championing Women Writers: She has served as a judge for the prestigious Women’s Prize for Fiction, an award that has celebrated female authors since 1995.
- Financial Aid for Writers: Kit de Waal established the Kit de Waal Creative Writing Scholarship, initially funding it with the advance from “My Name Is Leon.” The scholarship offers a fully funded place on the Creative Writing MA at Birkbeck, University of London, a travel bursary, and book tokens for a writer from a disadvantaged background.
- Nurturing Local Talent: She co-founded Portopia Productions, a film and digital media company aimed at developing diverse talent from the Midlands.
The Brummie remains focused on helping others while actively developing her own writing talent. Those close to Kit de Waal say she helps others “reach for the stars,” all while pursuing her own passion and consistently delighting her audience with new works.