Billy has an MPhil(B) in playwriting from Birmingham University and is an award-winning playwright and short story writer. For twelve years he taught Creative Writing at Edge Hill University where he was a judge, a reader and the convenor of the Edge Hill Prize, the only national award for a collection of short stories by a single author.
Billy’s writing career took off when his first play Smilin’ Through won the 2002 Writing Out award for best new gay play organised by Finborough Theatre, London. The play went on to be produced by Contact Theatre and the Birmingham Rep and was nominated for Best New Play of the year 2005 by the Manchester Evening News. His play Transitions, retitled Still Ill, won Warehouse Theatre’s 2010 International Playwriting award and was given a special recommendation at the Verity Bargate Award. His play Care Takers won a Stage Edinburgh award 2016 and was in the Critics’ Choice of best plays at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2016. Smilin’ Through and Still Ill are published by Playdead Press. Care Takers is published by Aurora Metro Press.
His short stories have been published in A Girl’s Guide to Fishing (Reflex fiction); Flash Non-fiction Funny (Woodhall Press); Flash: the International Journal of short fiction; as well as various online literary magazines including The Real Story and Fictive Dream. His story Big Strong Giant was nominated for a Pushcart Award in 2017. Billy’s latest article on the short story, The Short Story: Quintessentially Northern Irish? can be found in issue 494 of Fortnight magazine. You can also find out what Billy looks for in a short story here.
Testimonials
Billy provided me with some coaching input at the onset of a 4 year project, to assess and clarify the structure, plot, and intention of a complex narrative for a multi-disciplinary staged performance. I found his input invaluable, offering both specific and overall advice and suggestions. He is very experienced at his craft, with great attention to details. A joy to work with, making what felt like a daunting task more manageable and even pleasurable. I wouldn’t think twice about asking Billy to coach me again in the future.
Nataly Lebouleux – Animator and multi-disciplinary artist.
Billy’s mentorship has been invaluable in developing my skills and deepening my understanding of the short story craft. His guidance, constructive feedback, and most importantly, his passion for the arts have fuelled my drive and focus, helping me to surpass my early writing goals and achieve publication. His boundless enthusiasm has been truly inspiring, giving me motivation to push forward – whether I was staring at the blank page or revising a piece for the fiftieth time.
Leon Coleman, Customer Resolution Investigator, award-winning short story writer.
Nikki Moore