Gordon Smith

Alexander Gordon Smith, born in Norwich, England, on February 27, 1979, is recognized for his contributions to children's and young adult literature. During his teenage years, Smith experienced a challenging period, associating with individuals he later identified as having a negative influence. These formative experiences, including a physical altercation, contributed to the inspiration behind his 'Furnace' series. Smith pursued his academic interests at the University of East Anglia from 2000 to 2003, where he studied English literature and established Egg Box Publishing, a small press dedicated to new poets. He has also authored creative writing guides, offering advice on writing for children and general creative writing principles.

His literary career includes the publication of 'The Inventors,' a children's novel co-written with his younger brother, Jamie Webb. This book received recognition, being shortlisted for a national competition and subsequently published by Faber and Faber. Smith continued to expand his bibliography with sequels and further series for young readers, including 'The Fury' and 'The Devil's Engine' series. His work primarily focuses on fictional narratives for younger audiences, with a notable presence in the young adult genre.

Gordon Smith's formative years included a difficult period during his adolescence. He has described associating with peers who had a detrimental impact on him, even experiencing a physical altercation that resulted in a lost tooth. Reflecting on this time and contemplating alternative paths, Smith found inspiration in these experiences for his 'Furnace' series of novels. This period of his life provided a backdrop for exploring themes that resonate within his young adult fiction.

Between 2000 and 2003, Gordon Smith studied English literature at the University of East Anglia. During his time there, he initiated Egg Box Publishing, a small press focused on promoting emerging poets. The press published works by various new talents and continues to expand its catalog. Smith also ventured into non-fiction with the publication of 'Inspired Creative Writing' in 2004, followed by 'Writing Bestselling Children's Books' in 2007, offering guidance on the craft of writing.

Smith's debut children's novel, 'The Inventors,' was a collaborative effort with his brother Jamie Webb, written during the summer of 2005. The book achieved recognition by being shortlisted for a national competition and was later published by Faber and Faber in 2007, with a sequel released in 2008. He is also known for the 'Furnace' series, which includes titles like 'Lockdown,' 'Solitary,' and 'Death Sentence.' Other notable series include 'The Fury' and 'The Devil's Engine.' His bibliography also lists two non-fiction books on creative writing.