The Writers of Wales Database

THIRSK, SIMON

Executive chairman and a founder director of Bloodaxe Books Ltd, he has also been chairman of the Antur Penllyn town development group in Bala, co-ordinator of a Northern children's medical charity and organiser of Durham Literature Festival.

Before joining Bloodaxe full-time, Simon worked as a journalist for 20 years and lectured in journalism and marketing. He has an honours degree in philosophy, has learned Welsh and wrote 'Small Zones', a television play about the imprisoned dissident Russian poet, Irina Ratushinskaya, broadcast on BBC2. Simon has recently published his first novel with Gomer. Not Quite White (Gomer, 2010) has been short listed for the 2010 Costa First Novel Award category. He lives in North Wales and has two children. Simon is a Member of The Welsh Academy.

Reviews:
With respect to Not Quite White (Gomer, 2010)

"…An uplifting and utopian vision of Wales and its language…"
Helen Dunmore

"…A tragic-comic battle between two cultures..."
Gillian Clarke

"...An important book for readers of all backgrounds..."
Angharad Price


Selected Publications:
Not Quite White (Gomer, 2010)