Laura McVeigh grew up in Northern Ireland. She read Modern & Medieval Languages at Cambridge University after which she moved to London where she worked in publishing, human rights and the charity sector. Prior to writing her debut novel Under the Almond Tree, Laura was Executive Director of PEN International, the worldwide writers’ association campaigning on freedom of expression issues. Before that she was director of the Global Girls Fund which supports girls’ empowerment, equality and access to learning and education worldwide. Previous experience includes working with young people both in the UK and internationally on education and development projects, working on peace and conflict issues, and human rights work. She is an alumna of the Royal Court Theatre Young Writers’ Program, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and also holds an M.Sc in Global Politics from the University of London. Laura has traveled widely, campaigning on human rights issues around the world, with a particular interest in girls’ education. This international outlook is reflected in her writing.