Dreda Say Mitchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dreda Say Mitchell
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Mitchell at the British Library in 2022
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| Born | 1965 (age 59–60) London, UK
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| Alma mater | School of Oriental and African Studies London Metropolitan University Goldsmiths, University of London |
| Occupation | Writer, broadcaster |
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Notable work
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Spare Room; Say Her Name; Running Hot |
Dreda Say Mitchell (born Louise Emma Joseph in 1965) is a famous British writer of crime and mystery novels. She is also a journalist and works to help others through education.
Because of her amazing work with books and in schools, she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2020. This is a special honor given by the Queen to people who have made a big difference in the United Kingdom.
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Early Life and Education
Dreda Say Mitchell grew up in a community in East London. Her parents moved to the UK from the Caribbean island of Grenada.
She was a great student and went on to study at several universities. She earned a degree in African history from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London. Later, she got a master's degree in education.
For 25 years, Mitchell worked as a teacher. She focused on helping children from working-class and minority families succeed in school. A newspaper once said that Mitchell "gives a voice to the working class communities she grew up in."
A Career in Writing
Mitchell's writing journey began in a creative writing class. There, she started her first novel, Running Hot. In 2005, this book won a major award called the John Creasey Dagger. She was the first Black British author ever to win this prize.
Since then, she has written many more crime novels. She often writes with her partner, Tony Mason. One of their most popular books is a thriller called Spare Room. Famous author Lee Child said her writing is "As good as it gets."
Mitchell also writes books to help people improve their reading skills. She has been a judge for important book awards and once led Europe's biggest crime fiction festival.
Writing for Agatha Christie's Miss Marple
Mitchell was one of 12 modern female writers chosen for a special project. They were asked to write new stories about Miss Marple, a famous detective character created by the legendary author Agatha Christie. Other writers in the project included Val McDermid and Kate Mosse.
Work as a Journalist
Besides writing books, Mitchell is a journalist and commentator. This means she shares her thoughts on society and culture on TV and radio.
She has appeared on well-known TV shows like Question Time, Newsnight, and BBC Breakfast. She has also been on many radio shows for the BBC.
Mitchell has written articles for major newspapers like The Guardian and The Independent. In her articles, she often discusses topics like culture and social class.
Helping Young People
Mitchell is passionate about helping young people through writing. She was asked by the government's Youth Justice Board to lead a creative writing project in youth centers. The project was for young people from different backgrounds.
One of her students even won three awards for his writing. Mitchell continues to visit youth centers and prisons to give talks and lead writing workshops.
Awards and Honors
Dreda Say Mitchell has received many awards for her work.
- MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2020 for her work in literature and education.
- The John Creasey Dagger in 2005 for her first novel. She was the first Black British writer to win it.
- World Book Night Selection in 2014 for her book Geezer Girls.
- 50 Remarkable Women in Britain in 2012.
Charity Work
Mitchell uses her success to help others. She is involved with several charities:
- A trustee for The Royal Literary Fund, which helps authors.
- An ambassador for The Reading Agency, which encourages everyone to read.
- A patron for the SI Leeds Literary Prize, an award for unpublished female writers from Black and Asian backgrounds.
