I’ve been dabbling in fiction for a while, but it wasn’t until 2013 that my debut novel was ready to make its way confidently into the world. The Birds That Never Flew was published by Thunderpoint, not too long after the novel was shortlisted for the Dundee International Book Prize in 2012 under the working title of The Dandelion Clock.
The novel is written with a strong Glasgow influence and tragically conveys the impact of poverty, drugs and abuse, with the surreal vision of a Glaswegian Virgin Mary acting as guardian angel to the lead character. After publication it was longlisted for the Polari First Book Prize, 2014. Hurrah!
If you’d like to purchase a copy of TBTNF, you can do so here, and if you don’t agree with buying from Amazon the novel is available from all good bookshops, and via my publisher here.
My second novel, Almost, Then was published by the wonderful Linen Press in April 2021. You can buy it via my publisher here, or via bookshops and online via the usual outlets. I’m really excited to see how it travels.
Here’s some review comments:
Hilary McCollum, author of Golddigger – ‘Age-old themes of betrayal and family violence are skilfully mined to bring new insights for the contemporary reader. A story of love and passion, hate and despair, jealousy and guilt, violence and tragedy, beautifully told, about the past’s impact on the present and the future, and the unbearable burden of unbearable losses.’
Karen Campbell, acclaimed author of seven novels – ‘A heartbreaking exploration of love and loss – and of bonds that can never be broken.’
Paul Cuddihy, author and host of the Read All About It podcast – ‘Almost Then is an emotional rollercoaster – a gripping story of family secrets that left me a bit breathless by the end. It’s a great read.’
Laura Waddell, author of Exit, UK Publishing Director and The Scotsman columnist – ‘In many ways a tight, classic family intriquw, rich with resentments and estrangements, what distinguishes Almost Then is its strong sense of place… Almost Then is ultimately a story about striving for a sense of home, tense and tender in equal measures.’
Sara Sheridan, bestselling author of more than twenty books – ‘a dark drama about the secret bonds of family. It felt televisual and I particularly liked the sense of place as the story moved from Glasgow out to the wilds. The main characters (twins) were vividly drawn – five stars.’
I’m forging ahead with novel number three, as yet untitled, and I am very excited about it.
A wee family is emerging.
