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Novels

The Sea Lord’s Curse – a fantasy adventure novel for children

1860s Glasgow might be a grimy, industrial town but nobody minds a bit of dirt when there’s magic in your mud. Thanks to an abundance of glaar marshes and its powerful magic-collectors club, the city lies at the very heart of northern magic. Such magical wealth, however, attracts thieves. Amongst the best are 13-year-old William and Kern, two life-long friends who don’t entirely trust each other. 

When the pair steal the infamous Sea Lord’s Map for their criminal boss, they are sent on a deadly treasure hunt with only a crew of motley criminals to help. To make matters worse, their apprenticeship is drawing to an end and this hunt will decide which of them remains in the gang. A grisly fate awaits the loser. Bound to their boss by magic, the pair are forced to compete but secretly swear to work together. Despite their good intentions, the deadly competition soon puts a strain on their friendship. If they don’t find a way to escape, one of them may be forced to betray the other. 

Screenwriting

My feature-length screenplays have been funded and developed by a range of companies including DNA Films, BBC Films, Moonstone Screenwriters Lab, Scottish Screen, BBC Scotland and The Glasgow Film Office.

The Book Carriers
Story of Lithuanian immigrants in Lanarkshire at the turn of the century. Screenplay developed with DNA Films/Scottish Screen.

At The End of The Day
Comedy drama about a football manager left to deal with his kids after his wife leaves him. Developed with BBC Scotland/BBC Films/Scottish Screen.

Dark Heather
A con woman wins a national ‘super mum’ competition only to discover that she really is a superhero. Short-listed for The Film Council’s 25 Words or Less scheme

Modern
A contemporary fairy tale about families, mix-tapes and imaginary friends. Developed with funding from the Glasgow Film Office.

The Choir
Feature-length version of the award-winning short film. Developed through the Moonstone Screenwriters lab.

Danny and The Dead
Danny, a 12-year-old orphan and determined hypochondriac, is horrified when he is sent to stay with his uncle, the keeper at a very old and very haunted cemetery. Described by BBC Writersroom’s Paul Ashton as ‘Bright, witty and pacy’. Quarterfinalist BlueCat Screenplay Competition and Page International Screenwriting Awards.

Additionally, I wrote screenplays for numerous short films (which I also directed). Prizes for these include:

Best Short Film Director – BAFTA Scotland
Best Short Film – Chicago International Children’s Film Festival
Best Short Film – Celtic Film Festival
Best Short Film -Toronto Film Festival for Children
Best Short Film – Cinemagic Film Festival, Belfast
Best Short Film – Dahlonega Film Festival
Nominated – ‘Best Screenplay’ & ‘Best Performance’ BAFTA Scotland
Winner-TAPS new writers awards – best short film.

Broadcasts include BBC1, SVT Sweden, Scottish Television, and Film Four.

For a more detailed history of my film and television work, you can view my CV.