I’m Darren Simpson and I write vivid, unruly fiction for older children and teens. I’m also a Literacy Champion for the National Literacy Trust, and love visiting schools to nurture passion for reading and writing.

I’ve been lucky enough to see my stories win awards and get translated into several languages, and have been nominated twice for the prestigious Carnegie Medal. My novels have featured in bookish initiatives such as the national Summer Reading Challenge, and often end up on Best Book lists from the likes of Waterstones, Foyles, the Observer, the Guardian and the Literary Review.

So far I’ve written Scavengers, The Memory Thieves, Furthermoor and Thirst – tales ranging from dystopia and fantasy to sci-fi and horror. Something for everyone.

My next book, Lykewise, will be published on 24th September.

Why do I write?

Writing is the most fun you can have alone without a spoon and a bowl of cake mix. It allows you not only to escape from things, but also to confront them in interesting ways. Real life is great, but it can also be a confusing, daunting thing. I spend most of my time bewildered and scratching my head, and when I write I get to relax and take control – until my characters start doing their own thing, at least, but that’s all part of the fun.

If you’d like to know more, have a nosy around my website. You can buy my books from bookshop.org as well as the usual places, online and off. You can also find me on Goodreads, Instagram and Bluesky.

Thanks for popping by.