About Robin Falvey, Author

Hi, I'm Robin Falvey. I write stories about life, the sea, and finding your way in the world, often set against the rugged backdrop of Cornwall. Originally from the fishing town of Brixham in Devon, I've spent over 30 years as a journalist, artist, writer, maker, surfer, surf lifesaver, surf lifesaving instructor/assessor, yacht crew member, and tall ship sailor on the high seas, especially in New Zealand, the Southern Ocean, and the South Pacific.

I took an MA in journalism at Falmouth University in 2009 and have lived near Penryn, Cornwall, ever since.

My debut novel, 'Fulmar', tells the story of 15-year-old Jacob Penhallow, a Cornish boy teetering on the brink until a stranger gives him a surfboard. 'Fulmar' is a story about how a young person can grow and heal from trauma and the community's role in that recovery. A gritty, funny, uplifting tale woven through with my love of the sea, surfing, and surf lifesaving, I'm thrilled that 'Fulmar' has recently been nominated for the Kernow Youth Book Award 2025.

My book is a celebration of both the county I love and of surfing and surf lifesaving—a movement that I've been very honoured to be part of and which offers so much, particularly to young people. Like Jacob, the main character in my book, I came to surf lifesaving at a low point in my life. Just like him, this incredible voluntary movement proved transformative for me. I was inspired to write Fulmar when, after surfing at Porthtowan, I noticed young people from the surf lifesaving club there enjoying themselves on the beach and in the sea. It reminded me of my days as a surf lifesaver in Devon, and, grabbing an envelope, I began writing.

I'm also proud to share that I've been shortlisted for the Bath Novel Award not just once but three times. In addition to 'Fulmar' being a runner-up, my other novels, 'Sacrifice' and 'Keith And The Duke', were also shortlisted, which is a tremendous honour. I’m now working on honing those ready for publication, as well as several other writing and creative projects.

You can read more about my journey to publication on my blog.

'This elemental story of a boy and the sea wakes up our own dreams and inspires us to follow them.'

Lucy Van Smit, The Hurting

★★★★★