Brighton author Dorothy Koomson handed honorary fellowship

The Brighton-based author was presented the honorary doctorate by Leeds Trinity University on Tuesday (July 17).

She studied psychology and public media at the university from 1990 too 1993, before becoming Vice-President of the Students’ Union.

Dorothy went on to study a masters in journalism at Goldsmiths University in London and got her big break writing and editing for women’s magazines and national newspapers.

Her debut novel, The Cupid Effect, was published in 2003, followed by The Chocolate Run in 2004. Her third book, My Best Friend’s Girl sold almost 90,000 copies in the first few weeks and was selected for the Richard and Judy Summer Reads of 2006.

Since then, she’s written 10 more novels, including her most recent The Brighton Mermaid.

Dorothy said: “I am so delighted to have been given this Honorary Fellowship. I was surprised that I had been nominated for such an accolade and for it to have come from Leeds Trinity, a place that will always have a special place in my heart, makes it all the more special.

“Since my four years living and working in Leeds, I have often thought of it as my second home – that is why my first three books were set here. Almost all of my subsequent books either have a scene set in Leeds or a mention of the city.

“Thank you to everyone involved in bestowing this award on me, I am incredibly touched and humbled.”

Professor Margaret A House OBE, vice-chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to present Dorothy with an Honorary Fellowship today, and to officially welcome her back to the Leeds Trinity community. We are delighted to be able to honour her as an award-winning author, journalist and valued alumna.”

Now living in Brighton, Dorothy supports the work of the National Literacy Trust, and Little Green Pig; a charity in Brighton and Hove that offers writing workshops to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.