List Of Writers

SCOTT, MATTHEW DAVID

www.myspace.com/matthewdavidscott

Matthew David Scott was born in 1978 in north Manchester. He left in 1997 to read English Literature and Philosophy at Sheffield University and after graduating has lived in Edinburgh and Cardiff, before settling in Newport, South Wales.

Matthew is a published novelist and playwright, his debut novel Playing Mercy was published by Parthian Books in May 2005. Playing Mercy has been optioned by 11:22 Entertainment for whom Matthew is in the process of adapting the novel for the screen. It was also longlisted for the EDS Dylan Thomas Prize 2006.

Matthew has had many short stories commissioned and also writes restaurant reviews for the magazine RedHanded. His second novel has recently been commissioned by Parthian with the help of the Welsh Books Council and is due for publication in 2007/8.

As well as fiction Matthew also writes for the stage. He is a founder member of Slung Low Theatre Company www.slunglow.org whose recent show 1139 Miles was the largest emerging artists project in Britain. Other shows include Time at Moghul Gardens; Phone Calls Home; and an upcoming collaboration with Merseyside Young People’s Theatre Small Worlds. His stage play A Verse and a Chorus was produced by AM Productions for a three week run at Hen and Chickens Theatre in London. Matthew is a Member of Academi.

Reviews:
With respect to Playing Mercy (Parthian, 2005):

“…a powerful account of life on a British estate and a great introduction to one of Wales’ newest and most exciting writers…”
Andrew Taylor, Big Issue Cymru

“…I can’t think of a more enjoyable and satisfying debut I’ve read all year – and the fact that Playing Mercy has not been taken up and paraded through the highways and byways of the country just makes it all the more precious...”
Stoop, www.bookmunch.co.uk

“…the first novel I’ve read that manages to portray the underclass without resorting to either cartoons or dull as dishwater thriller convention…”
Peter Wild, Guardian Online

“...This story is a stark statement of different realities perceived by different people walking down the same street. If you want to see what the person alongside you thinks… then read Playing Mercy...”
Rose Widlake, New Welsh Review

"...Playing Mercy is a mighty and moving hymn to belonging, pride and growth. Only a man unafraid to write from within his own culture could produce, without sentimentality, such a passionately–convicted work. If you feel yourself playing host to the demon of judgementalism, then read Playing Mercy. Matt Scott loves his characters and the worlds that produced them, and the rest of us should, too..."
Niall Griffiths

With respect to A Verse and a Chorus:

“...Matthew David Scott’s two–hander examines the reality TV phenomenon and more interestingly offers a nicely judged portrait of a life blighted on the margins…”
Time Out, London

With respect to 1139 Miles:
“….exhilarating… fresh concepts and genius implementation… restore any doubter’s faith in our county’s creative future...”
Northern Exposure, Leeds Guide


Selected Publications:
Playing Mercy (Parthian, 2005)
The Ground Remembers (Parthian, 2008)