The Writers of Wales Database

KEEGAN, ALEX

Kingfisher Barn, Lower Farm Court, Hambridge Lane, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5TH.
Tel: (01635) 34317
Email: alex.keegan@btclick.com 
Website: www.alexkeegan.com

Pseudonym of Ron Jones. Literary short story writer and novelist, and regular columnist on writing matters for the Internet Writers’ Journal, The New Writer and Cambrensis. Born in Newport, Gwent 1947, where he went to school. Alex became serious about his writing after surviving the Clapham train crash in 1988. His first crime novel was published in August 1994, followed by four others and more than 100 short story publications and sixty plus articles on writing. Alex has an extensive record as a teacher and motivator for local groups and at Southampton University; the Southampton/Winchester Annual Writers Conference; for Writers Write University on the Internet and on Compuserve, ’Boot Camp Keegan’; and face to face courses from a converted chapel in Llwyngwril. Alex followed degrees in psychology and sociobiology with an MA in creative writing at Bath 1997–8 where he was awarded a distinction. He is a winner of a dozen literary first prizes, including the Lichfield Short Story Prize, as well as three Bridport Prizes and runner-up in the Rhys Davies Awards 1998.

Reviews:

"…Alex Keegan is absolutely the best short story writer I’ve ever read! His stories are wonderful; wrenching, hilarious, sexy - with a depth of emotion and beauty of language that make them unique…"
Diana Gabaldon, New York Times Top Ten Author of the ’Outlander’ Series

"…My favourite Alex Keegan stories...get right to it, don’t fool around while they’re about it, and end not a second later than they should. Along the way, they somehow capture all the bewildering and distinctly masculine sorrow of characters whose greatest loves and triumphs are expressed firmly in the past tense..."
Tom Dooley, Editor Eclectica Magazine

"...Whether he’s exploring the attractions and aversions of interpersonal magnetism, or capturing small life-changing moments with precision and gentleness, Alex Keegan’s work is emotionally ture, sharply intelligent and often beautiful. These stories will touch a nerve and resonate long after the book is put down..."
Venessa Gebbie


Selected Publications:
Cuckoo (Headline, 1994)
Vulture (Headline, 1995)
Kingfisher (Headline, 1995)
Razorbill (Headline, 1996)
A Wild Justice (Piatkus, 1997)
Ballistics (Salt Publishing, 2008)

Eligible Writers on Tour subjects offered:

1. Read and discuss own work
2. Sex, Lies and Publishers’ Hype: an interactive motivational event for aspiring writers
3. Using the Internet: as a fiction writer/running an on-line critique group
4. Workshops, including strategies for winning short story competitions

AVAILABILITY: Any time; with reasonable notice available throughout the year.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None, but good lighting and a PA is nice