Alan Bissett

Alan Bissett was born and raised in Falkirk. He graduated from Stirling University with a first class degree in English and Education. After a spell as an English teacher at a secondary school in Elgin he returned to Stirling University where he gained a Masters in English Literature.

It was during this time that he wrote his first book, Boyracers and edited a second, Damage Land: New Scottish Gothic Fiction. Both books were published by Polygon in 2001. Bissett has had many short stories published in various literary magazines and anthologies. He has been short and long-listed for the Macallan / Scotland on Sunday short-story competition on four occasions.

He lectured in Creative Writing at the Bretton Hill Campus of Leeds University for three years, during which time he wrote his second novel, The Incredible Adam Spark. The book was published by Review in 2005 and a film version is being planned.

Both Alan Bissett’s first two novels use Scottish colloquialisms and reference popular culture, adding depth to the characters and locations. He has also written and performed a one-woman play called The Moira Monologues.

He now lives in Glasgow where he lectures on Glasgow University’s Creative Writing course. His most recent novel is Pack Men.