Keith Gray - Burying your Head in the Sand

Scottish Book Trust in collaboration with “see me” Scotland was thrilled to bring the award winning author Keith Gray into two schools in Fife as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival. Keith has written several novels for teenagers that all deal with inner conflict, whether it is doing the right thing by your parents and putting their beliefs before your own or coping with bereavement and friendship. He has recently edited an anthology of short stories that deal with teenagers losing their virginity.

He talked mainly about his award-winning novel, Ostrich Boys, which focuses on four friends and how they deal with their friends’ apparent accidental death. However, as the plot unfolds the boys realise that it may not have been an accident and begin to think about their actions and their emotions.

Keith is a very experienced speaker in secondary schools who can relate to teenagers in a meaningful way.

Pupil Feedback

It was a pleasure to meet Keith Gray. The talk was genuinely great, I had a great time listening to his book and what happened in his childhood. I think this was a good chance to do something else other than lessons in school, I learnt something new after the talk and I don't find books that boring anymore. Brian, S3, Balwearie High School

I extremely enjoyed Keith Gray's visit to the school. His captivating author talk was truly inspiring. It was interesting. His insightful views have helped me and encouraged me to read and write more. I believe I speak on behalf of the school for thanking Scottish Book Trust and Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival for bringing Keith Gray to Dunfermline High School for an author visit we won't forget. Bryce, 14, Dunfermline High School

Keith Gray's talk was very enjoyable. He gave up his valuable time to talk to us about himself and his books, and you could see in his face that he was enjoying it. His talk was inspirational and made me start writing some short stories myself. Thank you. Gregor, 14, Dunfermline High School

 I really enjoyed the visit from Keith Gray. I thank him for giving up his time to speak to us. Out of all the authors I have seen, he has been the funniest and most inspirational. After his talk a little bit of me wanted to become a writer as well. I think the fact that he shared a bit of his past and made the talk more personal made it that much better. Jamie, 13, Dunfermline High School

I found the Keith Gray event very interesting. Keith was a talented speaker and talked about books with such contagious enthusiasm. Keith was also funny. Nicola, 14, Dunfermline High School

When you visited Dunfermline High I didn't know what to expect. However, as soon as I had taken my seat. I knew that the experience would be enjoyed by all. Along with several readings, you made it even more enjoyable with your sense of humour and your laughable facts of how long you spend doing certain things. Commy, 14, Dunfermline High School

I found the Keith Gray talk extremely interesting and engaging. He was a funny, exciting and a powerful speaker, holding the audience well with a great use of humour and knowledge. I felt that it was great to learn about how he writes his books and how he came to become an author. It was fun to find out about his life and inspirations. with talk of bear suits, parades and Japanese titles flying through the air, we couldn't help but become absorbed in the wonderful atmosphere. Jeremie, 14, Dunfermline High School

As I sat in the library , taking in everything he was saying, I couldn't help but think what an intriguing person Keith Gray was. Gray actually spoke to us. He spoke about his experiences in life, the things he had to face. He told us about his phenomenal novels. He answered our eager and curious questions. Overall, it was a fabulous talk, one that I thoroughly enjoyed. He made me realise I should never give up hope - anything can happen. Morgan, 13, Dunfermline High School

In my opinion it was interesting to meet a published author. He also talked about his private life and how he started reading, which I found very enjoyable. Towards the end of the talk Keith let us ask questions abut how he writes his books and he answered honestly. Overall, I found the talk inspiring and found Keith good to listen to because of his honesty and openness. Millie, S3, Balwearie High School

He was funny and clever with what he was saying. When he read the passage from the book, he left it on a cliff hanger and I know I'm not the only one who really really wanted to buy the rest of the book. The talk was intriguing and he connected with the audience well. Lucy, S3, Balwearie High School

Although most of his books are based on serious matters he can still put his point across in a humourous way which was interesting to hear. It was also interesting to hear that as a child and growing up he never read any books. He was a reluctant reader as a child and a teenager until he read The Machine Gunners and although his parents didn't see why he wanted to be a writer he still kept on and followed what he wanted to do. overall I think his funny style and his writing techniques are very intriguing and capture the reader well. I think it was worthwhile having him talk to the class as he showed that even reluctant readers can become writers and listening to him tell us about his style and techniques was very interesting. Lois, S3, Balwearie High School

Author Biography

Keith was brought up in Grimsby and as a child tried to avoid books. He was an eager rebel and a particularly enthusiastic pain-in-the-backside, but a reluctant reader. Teachers urged and parents moaned, but all in vain. Books were a necessary chore, like washing his dad’s car. I think everyone was surprised (even him) when he raced through Robert Westall’s The Machine Gunners from cover to cover – twice. This book was the starting point for Keith, making him want to write his own stories.

His first book Creepers was published when he was 24 and it was shortlisted for the Guardian Fiction Award. He have since written ten books including Warehouse (also shortlisted for the Guardian Fiction Award and winner of the Angus Book Award), Marlarkey (shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize and winner of the South Lanarkshire Book Award) and for younger readers The Runner (winner of a Smarties Silver Medal). He lectured for two years in Creative Writing at the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, where he enjoyed working with people who shared the same interests and ambitions as him. Keith now lives in Edinburgh and spends much of his time visiting schools to pass on his love of books and writing, as well as reviewing teenage fiction for the Guardian and the Scotsman.

'see me' Scotland

‘see me’ is Scotland’s national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination associated with mental ill-health. We are owned and run by an alliance of five mental health organisations and fully funded by the Scottish Government.

The campaign targets the Scottish general public using a range of activities including: national and local advertising; work with the press; and the development of local and national campaign activities. If you would like to learn more about the ‘see me’ campaign please visit our website www.seemescotland.org.