Picture a UK storyteller who weaves tales that linger long after the last page—meet Simon Van der Velde! This award-winning author, with a knack for blending raw emotion and clever puzzles, has carved a unique space in the literary world. From the innovative Backstories to the gripping The Silent Brother, Van der Velde’s stories explore the human condition with wit and heart, making him one of the UK’s standout short-story writers.
Born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, Van der Velde’s journey to literary acclaim is as eclectic as his narratives. A former barman, laborer, teacher, caterer, and lawyer, he’s lived a life rich with experiences that fuel his character-driven tales. His creative writing M.A. from the University of Northumbria in 2011 marked a turning point, propelling him into the spotlight as a master storyteller.
The Making of Simon Van der Velde
Simon Van der Velde’s early life in Newcastle shaped his gritty, empathetic voice. His varied career—mixing manual labor, teaching, and law—gave him a front-row seat to human struggles and triumphs. Traveling across Europe and South America, he collected characters and insights that breathe life into his work. After leaving law to pursue writing full-time, Van der Velde honed his craft, earning a creative writing M.A. with distinction. This leap of faith paid off, as his stories began winning accolades and capturing readers’ imaginations.
Simon Van der Velde’s Unforgettable Stories
Van der Velde’s bibliography is a treasure trove of emotional depth and narrative innovation. His debut collection, Backstories (2021), is a literary puzzle, featuring 14 short stories about famous figures before their fame. Each tale weaves biographical facts with fiction, challenging readers to guess the protagonist’s identity. From musicians to activists, the stories explore themes of inclusion and social justice, earning praise for their originality and emotional heft.
His novel The Silent Brother (2022) dives into Newcastle’s gritty underbelly, following Tommy Farrier, a boy grappling with guilt and a harsh upbringing. This coming-of-age tale doubles as an urban thriller, highlighting Van der Velde’s ability to blend genres. His non-fiction work, El libro de las plantas acuáticas (1999), showcases his versatility, delving into aquatic plants with the same passion he brings to fiction.
Van der Velde’s style is literary yet accessible, with vivid voices and settings often rooted in the 1960s and 1970s UK and USA. His themes—social justice, redemption, and human frailty—resonate deeply, making his stories both timeless and timely. Awards like the Yeovil Literary Prize and the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal underscore his skill, cementing his reputation as a short-story maestro.
Why Simon Van der Velde Matters
Simon Van der Velde’s impact lies in his ability to humanize icons and elevate everyday struggles. Backstories invites readers to see famous figures as flawed, relatable people, fostering empathy and curiosity. His commitment to social good—donating 30% of Backstories profits to Stop Hate UK, The North East Autism Society, and Friends of the Earth—reflects his belief in literature as a force for change. As founder of the Gosforth Writers Group, he nurtures new talent, ensuring his influence extends beyond the page.
Van der Velde’s work challenges genre norms, blending mystery, biography, and social commentary. His stories resonate with readers seeking both entertainment and insight, making him a vital voice in contemporary UK literature. His growing fanbase eagerly awaits his next release, a testament to his storytelling prowess.
- Birthplace: Newcastle upon Tyne, England
- Key Works: Backstories, The Silent Brother, El libro de las plantas acuáticas
- Awards: Yeovil Literary Prize, Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal, and more
- Fun Fact: He lives with his wife, labradoodle, and two “tyrannical” children!
Snag Backstories or The Silent Brother and dive into Simon Van der Velde’s captivating world of stories that surprise, challenge, and inspire!