2012 Awardee: Allan Wilson
I am humbled by the faith that has been shown in my work and will...make the most of the time and freedom afforded to me by the Dewar Arts Awards
EMAIL:allan.wilson@hotmail.co.uk
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/mrallanwilson
Biography
Allan is a talented writer with enormous potential. In 2010, his work was selected from hundreds of applicants to appear in an anthology of stories entitled The Year of Open Doors. The book was edited by renowned author Dr Rodge Glass, who sought to showcase the best in young Scottish writing. He describes Allan as “one of the finest young literary voices in Scotland”.
To develop his skills, Allan enrolled on the Creative Writing Masters Degree Course at Strathclyde University. In 2012, he released his debut collection of short stories, Wasted in Love. This received much critical acclaim, with broadsheet newspapers and established authors praising Allan’s technical ability, honesty and originality. The book was shortlisted for the Scottish Book of the Year 2012.
Based in Glasgow, Allan runs workshops and performs regularly at spoken word events.
“Allan takes risks with his writing. He does not opt for commercial, feelgood material, but instead explores the complexity of human relationships, in all their darkness and ambiguity. His use of language is judicious, sharp and powerful; he has already developed a disciplined editorial eye. He balances humour with shock, warmth with intensity, and as a result Wasted in Love has proven to be one of the best collections of short-stories published in Scotland in the last few years.” Alan Bissett
How the Award Helped
Allan received a Dewar Award to support the writing of his first novel, The Astronaut.
Since the Award
Shortlisted for the Scottish Book Trust Awards 2012
Review of Wasted in Love in The Scotsman
Allan Wilson performing live at Words Per Minute
Allan performing at Literary Death Match
Wasted in Love
“★★★★ A compelling selection of short stories. The characters are vividly brought to life by Wilson’s powerful writing and terse dialogue.” Daily Express
“Out-Joyces Joyce with his celebration of the mundane. This is a writer who pays attention and writes with such vigilance and diligent compassion that you admire and hope for more.” The Scotsman
“Quite frankly, it’s a brilliant book, well crafted, authentic and necessary.” The Skinny
“reads like the real thing… a terrific debut anthology.” Tom Leonard
I am humbled by the faith that has been shown in my work and will...make the most of the time and freedom afforded to me by the Dewar Arts Awards