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In conversation

Catherine Johnson in conversation with Sita Brahmachari

The novelist Catherine Johnson talks about writing fiction based on historical characters like the dancer, singer and actress Josephine Baker.
24th September, 2025
Photo: Missohio Studio
'Having not written a long project for years, can I actually [write a novel]? What if I have forgotten how?'
Catherine Johnson

Catherine Johnson

Catherine Johnson is an award-winning author of children's books, who has been writing for nearly 34 years.

Sita Brahmachari

Sita Brahmachari

Sita Brahmachari is an author and activist whose plays and novels highlight the importance of community and human rights.

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