Simon R. Biggam worked in bookselling for nine years before moving into the performing arts sector. He is the founder of the Heretic Theatre Company and director of acclaimed productions, including The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband and Someone To Watch Over Me. These Are Only Words, his first novel, was published by Chroma in 2006. It was shortlisted for the Saltire Society Scottish First Book of the Year Award (past winners include Ali Smith and Louise Welsh). His second novel, The First Day, will be released in summer 2007.