Catrin Collier

Who was Catrin Collier?

Karen Watkins, writing as Catrin Collier, is a Welsh novelist, of East Prussian descent on her mother's side, known for her historical works, especially those in the 'Hearts of Gold' series, set in her home town of Pontypridd between 1930 and 1950, the first of which was adapted as a BBC drama in 2003. She also writes under the pen names Katherine John/ K. A. John, Katherine Hardy and Caro French.

As well as novels, she writes short stories, plays and non-fiction, and has had work published in magazines including published in Woman, Woman’s Own and Woman’s Weekly.

Ty Catrin, an adult education centre in Pontypridd, was named in her honour in 2002. She is represented by the literary agency Marjacq Scripts.