About ME
I write . . . a lot.
I love telling stories, have won several writing competitions and have been second, a runner-up or short-/longlisted in others (see below). My children’s novel Land of Waves was shortlisted at the Wells Festival of Literature in 2021. My work has been published in several festival anthologies and literary journals (Listowel Writers Week, Grindstone, No Parties, Ireland’s Own).
I generally write fiction under my middle name, Eugene (see Fiction), and save the Gavin for heavy lifting (see Non-fiction). That’s to distinguish my work on sites like Amazon, and not to confuse you.
My first novel is a tale for young adults called Molly Path, a moving reflection on the teacher–pupil relationship, the parents’ critical role in a child’s education—and the importance of a stable home.
For most of my career I worked as a sub-editor on national newspapers in the UK, and as a freelancer I have written for diverse newspapers, magazines and news agencies (see Journalism). I also work as a copywriter for commercial clients who recognise style when they see it.
I have lived in Mexico, completed a Ph.D. in Latin American politics at Queen Mary, University of London, and have written six books about this fascinating region of the world (see Non-fiction). It’s heavy stuff with lots of detail that may make you thump the table, but if you are interested it’s definitely worth a look.
I live in London, am married with three daughters, and do not have a cat. I had a terrapin called Terry but rehomed him so that he would have a better life and lots of friends at the wonderful National Turtle Sanctuary in Lincolnshire Wildlife Park.
AWARDS
Winner, 2019, Listowel Writers Week: Irish Post Short Story Competition (‘With those eyes’)
Winner, 2020, Listowel Writers Week: Originals Humorous Essay Award (‘The cow as a political actor’)
Winner, 2021, Ovacome Writing Competition (‘Face to face’)
Second Place, 2021, The Bedford Competition Short Story Writing Award (‘The Rains’)
Runner-up, 2016, Listowel Writers Week: Irish Post Short Story Competition (‘Nurse Deidre’)
Third Place, 2022/23, Fiction Factory Short Story Competition (‘The Oaths‘)
Runner-up, 2021, Ireland’s Own Writing Competition (‘Liverpool Scotland’)
Runner-up/Highly Commended, 2022, Wexford Literary Festival, Eoin Colfer International Short Children’s Story Award (‘The Donkey’s Hands’)
Highly Commended, Elmbridge Literary Competition 2022 (‘The Sock Phantom’)
Shortlisted, 2021, Wexford Literary Festival: Colm Tóibín International Short Story Award (‘Lynch’)
Shortlisted, 2021, Wells Festival of Literature Book for Children Competition (‘Land of Waves’)
Shortlisted, 2022, Wells Festival of Literature Short Story Competititon (‘Three Seconds’)
Longlisted, 2021 (July), Cranked Anvil Press short story competition (‘Appleby’)
Longlisted, 2021 (November), Grindstone Literary Short Story Prize 2021 (‘Troy’)
Longlisted, 2022, Billy Roche International Short Play Award, Wexford Literary Festival (‘Permacrsis’)
Longlisted, 2023, The Bedford Competition Short Story Writing Award 2022 (‘Belly’)
Longlisted, 2023, The Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition/Crime Writers’ Association (‘Huitzilopochtli’)
INTERVIEWS/GUEST POSTS
Portobello Book Blog, 12 August 2022
My Reading Corner, 13 August 2022
Linda’s Book Bag, 15 August 2022
Writing
Face to face, Winner, Ovacome Writing Competition 2021
The Rains, 2nd Place, Bedford Writing Competition 2021
The Sock Phantom, Highly Commended, Elmbridge Lit Comp 2022
The Oaths, 3rd Place, Fiction Factory Short Story Competition 2022/23
Gavin Eugene O'Toole 