Frank Woods

Frank Woods lives and writes in North East Scotland. He has worked as exploration geologist, journalist, and primary school teacher. Eventually he settled into a career as a psychologist specialising in the problems of children and young people.

His short stories, poetry, and articles on diverse subjects have appeared in a wide range of magazines and newspapers. Dancer in the Light, his biography of Gerda Geddes (www.gerdageddes.com), was published in 2008. He has just completed a novel, Where the Bridge Lies.

Credentials

Frank Woods in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

As a student at Glasgow University.

What do you love about short stories?

Their power. How all human joys, hates, fears, foibles, loves, shames, can be probed, exposed and better understood in just a few thousand words or less.

Do you write in other forms?

Poetry was my first love. I started to write fiction in my late twenties when I was working as a journalist. I've written a novel, Where the Bridge Lies. I'm also the author of a biography, Dancer in the Light (more details at www.gerdageddes.com).

What distracts you from writing?

Solitaire. I keep removing it from my hard drive but somehow it slithers back on.

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

Playing blues harmonica and singing along – not easy to do at the same time. Practising tai chi. Do a bit of drawing and woodcarving too.

What is your favourite book?

I read and re-read my childhood copy of Tom Sawyer until it fell apart. The memories still keep me warm.

Who are your favourite writers?

Can't choose, I owe so much to so many. , and

Where is your dream location?

The isolated rural home I share with my wife Julie.

What one item would you put into Room 101?

Writers who engage my trust and then break it.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Treat each rejection slip as a free lesson.