Kathleen O’Reilly Johnston is based in country Western Australia where she works mentoring youth at risk and caring for the aged. Kathleen utilises stories as a way to connect more deeply with her clients.
After being assessed as unable to read, and despite an alarming rate of school absenteeism, Kathleen became an avid reader with a passion for writing. She credits her love of literature as the catalyst for her self-directed learning that took place along the beautiful West Australian coast. Johno is her debut novel.
She’s the mother of three adult children and two grandchildren. When not working or writing, she gets excited about riding her horse around historic ruins. If you see someone riding a white horse over Slaughterhouse Bridge in Toodyay on a stormy day, that’s Kathleen.
Johno is set to be released 9 September 2026 and is available for pre-order now.
What inspired you to be a writer?
Initially, it was my grandmother, who told us stories as children. Later, reading the work of other writers, I thought how wonderful it would be if I were also able to create reading pleasure for others.
What prompted you to write 'Johno'?
In 2023, it hit me like a bolt that the story of ‘Johno’ was epic. I felt driven to write it while he could still tell it.
Do you have any more books in the pipeline?
Yes! A fiction — a magical, feel good, coming-of-age fairytale set in the Western Australian bush. Writing this is joyous. I love the YA genre, but this book will appeal to anyone young at heart.
What is your professional background?
I’ve worked predominantly with youth and youth at risk of offending or homelessness. I have also worked as a nursing assistant caring for the aged, and as an outreach worker supporting victims of domestic violence. On a different tangent, I spent eight years as a side-kick to a horse-breaker. The most important role in my life is being a mother.
Any advice you’d like to give to aspiring writers?
If you want to write, go hard, open your heart and pour it onto the page. Never let doubts of not being good enough stop you. Keep writing until you get excited, and that’s when to leave it, put it down. I guarantee you will push everything aside to get back to that story you started.
Who/what inspires you?
All those working for peace in the world.
What are your hobbies, interests and favourite books?
Writing, reading, growing plants, cooking, horse-riding and meditation.
My favourite books: too many to mention, but Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton, Blood by Tony Birch, Dirt Music by Tim Winton, The Eye of the Sheep by Sofie Laguna, The Woman In The Waves by Camille Booker, Under Silkwood by Greg Bourke, The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey, Still Life by Sarah Winman and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.
How can readers contact you?
Through Hawkeye or, via my webpage www.kathyjohnston.com.au
You can also find me on Instagram (@katejohnston48) and Facebook under Kathleen O’Reilly Johnston.
