A. L. Kennedy
Alison Louise "A. L." Kennedy (born 22 October 1965) is a Scottish writer of novels, short stories and non-fiction, and stand-up comedian. She is known for her characteristically dark tone, a blending of realism and fantasy, and for her serious approach to her work. She contributes columns and reviews to European newspapers.
Life and work
Kennedy was born in Dundee and attended the fee-paying High School of Dundee. Her father, a psychology lecturer, and her mother, a teacher, divorced when she was 13. She has a degree in theatre studies and drama from the University of Warwick.
In 2009, she donated the short story Vanish to Oxfam's 'Ox-Tales' project, four collections of stories written by 38 authors. Her story was published in the 'Air' collection.
Kennedy currently lives in London and is an Associate Professor in Creative Writing at the University of Warwick, having previously taught creative writing at the University of St Andrews. She has performed as a stand-up comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe and literary festivals. Her main comedy club has been The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh.