Simon West

Thesis title: Literary Fiction – Working Title 'Above the Dark' / Critical Analysis – Voice in the Novel

Biography

Background

I'm an Edinburgh-based mature student, working toward a PhD in Creative Writing, having taken a career break from Primary Education.

My first novel, 'Abner' — a speculative fiction for children and young adults — was published by Ambassador International in June 2025. It is available online at all good bookshops.

Qualifications

BEd (Primary) Hons: 2.1 Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh

MSc Creative Writing: Distinction University of Edinburgh

Responsibilities & affiliations

I am Chair of The Wayfarer Trust, an international charity, based in Scotland. Wayfarer works with people in the arts and media to provide strong encouragement and powerful creative and spiritual inspiration. More information can be found here: www.wayfarertrust.org

Undergraduate teaching

I was recently admitted to the tutoring programme at the University of Edinburgh and have taught on the undergraduate English Literature course.

Research summary

The Creative Writing PhD comprises two elements: a novel (75k words approx) and a critical essay (25k words approx).

The novel I am working on, a literary fiction, is inspired by the Orgueil Meteorite, which landed in France in 1864.

The critical essay component considers narrative voice in Golding's 'Lord of the Flies', Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness', and, possibly, McCarthy's 'The Road'.

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