Methil author wins '˜new writer' award

The book shop manager from Methil was recently named among the recipients of a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award 2016.

The awards provide talented, unpublished writers with financial support for developing their work, as well as professional guidance to steer them closer to publication.

Ex-Kirkland High School pupil Greg (28) studied Honours in English Literature, and then a Masters and a PhD in Creative Writing, at Edinburgh University.

He’s currently the boss at Waterstones’ Princes Street branch in the capital, and has previously won awards for his work.

Delighted with the latest honour, Greg said his favourite early authors and influences included Roald Dahl, R. L. Stine, James Salter and Jack Kerouac.

“I loved English at school and always found the department very helpful,” he added.

Greg has tried writing novels, short stories, poetry and screenplays – with novel writing his preferred medium. He’s had some publishing success with poetry and short stories.

In the last 10-15 years, he added, it had become harder for writers to pursue their dream full-time. “Writing often has to be supplemented in some way these days – many writers also turn their hand to screenwriting, journalism and academia.”

A similar award also went to Victoria MacKenzie, from the East Neuk, while the judges included Lundin Links author Chae Strathie.