Kerry Hudson was born in Aberdeen. Growing up in a succession of council estates, B&Bs and caravan parks provided her with a keen eye for idiosyncratic behaviour, material for life, and a love of travel. Her first novel, Tony Hogan Bought Me An Ice-Cream Float Before He Stole My Ma (Chatto & Windus), was published in July 2012 and has been shortlisted for six literary prizes, including the Guardian First Book Award, Green Carnation Prize and Scottish First Book of the Year. Kerry's second novel, Thirst, will be published by Chatto in July 2014. She currently divides her writing time, and affections, between Hackney and Hanoi.

Photo: Nick Tucker