About

Hi! I’m Kat Brown. This is my blog, Exotic Maypole.

It is not about stripping,  although I do have a variety of things I could tell you about that too. It is because I am very tall, and go through periodic fits of enthusiasm, usually after having seen new and wonderful things, where I decide that I must embark on new hobbies and/or career choices. I returned from a trip to the 2011 Edinburgh Festival definitely,  absolutely going to become a stand-up comedian, or Stephen Merchant’s wife.

“I see the posters now,” my friend Scott said. “Kat Brown: Exotic Maypole!”

When not being shouted at by men in streets warning me that I am very tall, I live in Camberwell, in the twee-est area of London not already trademarked by the BBC’s teatime drama department. I sing in a south London choice called Pop-Up Choir,  ride horses in Dulwich, go to the theatre and leave at the interval if I don’t like it or the seats are cutting off my circulation.

Writing

I’ve written for The Times, Empire, The Sunday Times, GamesMaster, the guardian, The Spectator, More and others. I’m very interested in mental health, computer games and musicals and am mildly obsessed with The Archers.

My first short story was published by Shortfire Press after I won the December 2011 London edition of Literary Death Match (read an extract here) and I am very slowly writing a book.

Events

I have been a panellist and interviewer for PR Week, Empire, Global Conferences, and Domestic Sluttery. I’ve read from my ghastly teenage diaries at Ultraculture’s Teenage Wasteland, which was a treat for all concerned.

Radio & TV

I’ve been a talking head at all hours on Radio 4, BBC1 Breakfast, 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio London.

To ask me about commissions or speaking, email me, or I am pretty much always on Twitter.