Alex Gray

Name: Alex Gray
Occupation: Crime Writer
Age: 57
Born: Glasgow

Alex Gray decided to become a writer because it suited her personality. "I had an overactive imagination and an intense appetite for reading from an early age," she says. "But most of all, I enjoy the satisfaction of getting the right words down on paper to describe an image or an emotion."

Alex studied English and Philosophy at the University of Strathclyde. She has lived in Zimbabwe and has travelled within the UK for work. But she loves the Scottish scenery the most. She says, “I now live in Renfrewshire, but when I’ve been away because of work, I miss my family, my home and my cats.

"I love the Scottish scenery because it has a hold on me. It's difficult to explain. Seeing the mountains in all seasons of the year simply lifts my spirits."

Alex's favourite place in Scotland also has beautiful scenery. "It's hard to pick a favourite place," she says. "But when the road opens out past the Stoneymollan roundabout at Balloch, the distant hills I see give me huge pleasure. I adore the west coast and the Hebrides beyond.

"Scotland during the festive season is fabulous as well, especially Edinburgh. I just love the pretty lights and skating rinks that are a part of winter and Christmas here."

Apart from the beautiful winter displays, Alex thinks Scotland is a good place to be a writer. "I'm not sure I'm qualified to comment on comparing Scotland's literary scene with other countries," she says modestly. "But I have to say ours is thriving. 

"From my childhood, books from the author JRR Tolkien inspired my writing. My inspiration also comes from real life. Reading newspapers and crime stories inspire me too. Then I think "What if..?" in my mind. Many writers do this as well when our imaginations take over."

Alex's favourite Scottish writer is the poet, Robert Burns. She adds, "There are also so many talented contemporary writers of fiction whose work I enjoy. It's too hard to pick one as a favourite. But Val McDermid would be high on my list.

"The authors PD James and Evelyn Hood, my art teacher at school (Miss Sheridan) and my philosophy teacher at university (Hywel Thomas) have all inspired me too. Then there's the Scottish West coast and the Hebrides, not to mention several members of my own family. I have, of course, a special affection for my home city, Glasgow too, and it truly inspires my novels."

Alex has advice for people who want to become writers. She says, "I'd advise anyone to study the writing market and join a writer's group. I would also advise people to buy a copy of The Writers & Artists Yearbook or take an Arvon course."

Alex's books are published by Little Brown and she has appeared at the Edinburgh Book Festival. She will also be appearing at the Celtic Connections Festival and Glasgow's 'Aye Write' Festival. She says, "I think I've already achieved all my earthly ambitions. But getting into Heaven in the next life is surely top of my list!"

Related links

• Alex Gray 
• The Arvon Foundation 
• Writers' and Artists' Yearbook
• Little Brown
• Edinburgh International Book Festival
• Celtic Connections Festival
• Aye Write Festival