Des Dillon was born in Coatbridge and studied English Literature at Strathclyde University before becoming a teacher. He is a poet, short story writer, novelist, dramatist, broadcaster, screen writer, and scriptwriter for TV, stage and radio.
Des’s books have been published in the USA, India, Russia, Sweden, in Catalan, French and Spanish and his poetry has been anthologized internationally. His 1995 novel Me and Ma Gal was shortlisted for the Saltire Society Scottish First Book of the Year Award, was included in The 100 Greatest Ever Scottish Books and won the World Book Day ‘We Are What We Read’ poll for the novel that best describes Scotland today. His play, Singin I’m No a Billy He’s a Tim gained critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2005 and has toured UK and Ireland since 2007. He was Writer in Residence at Castlemilk until 2000, and currently lives in Galloway with his wife and dogs.
Des Dillon is represented at Jenny Brown Associates by Jenny. For all enquiries contact jenny@jennybrownassociates.com
Selected Books by Des
An Experiment in Compassion
Luath, May 2011
An Experiment in Compassion shifts between Stevie’s life as an alcoholic and his sober life where he forges a relationship with his girlfriend and estranged son. Encompassing a myriad of characters and their stories, this book provides an emotional and intense insight into the world of alcoholism whilst exploring the themes of revenge and forgiveness.
Praise for An Experiment in Compassion
‘The writing is always truthful, immediate and powerful. It is also unadorned… He writes the way he speaks, with punchy directness and enormous brio.’ –The Scotsman
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14562690-an-experiment-in-compassion
My Epileptic Lurcher
Luath, February 2008
Manny Riley is a recovering alcoholic and struggling scriptwriter with a serious anger management problem. Lately, though, things have started to change for the better. A happy marriage, a move away from Glasgow to an idyllic seaside village and the adoption of Bailey, a lurcher with epilepsy. He’ll soon find that these things only open up a whole new world of problems he’ll have to face up to. And he has to do it all without losing his temper.
Praise for My Epileptic Lurcher
Written in a vernacular style that is raw, immediate and affecting, My Epileptic Lurcher vividly evokes the vibrant, Scots-Irish storytelling tradition from which Dillon emerged
The Big Issue
A tale about the wonder of all those things that only at first glance appear to be small, this novel is a valuable and welcome reminder of the importance of that second look
The Stirling Observer
Dillon has enjoyed a great deal of success in his writing career so far, but something tells me that this book will reach more people, and touch them more deeply, than any of his works to date
The Herald
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2915794-my-epileptic-lurcher
Me and Ma Gal
Luath Press, March 2004 (new edition)
A story of boyhood friendship and irrepressible vitality told with the speed of trains and the understanding of the awkwardness, significance and fragility of that time. This is a day in the life of two boys as told by one of them.
Praise for Me and Ma Gal
Winner of the Saltire Scottish First Book of the Year Award
Included in The 100 Greatest Ever Scottish Books
Winner of the World Book Day ‘We Are What We Read’ poll for the best description of modern Scotland
If you didn’t grow up in Scotland you will enjoy this book. But if you did grow up here you will absolutely love it!
Jack McConnell, Scotland’s First Minister
A brilliant debut filled with ironic revelation
The Times
Reminded me of Twain and Kerouac … a story told with wonderful verve, immediacy and warmth
Edwin Morgan
Ripe with humour and poignant vignettes of boyhood, this is an endearing and distinctive novel
Scotland on Sunday
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7652883-me-and-ma-gal
