Frances Crawford
BIO: Frances Crawford
As a passionate advocate of lifelong learning, Frances was delighted to graduate in 2022, age 60, with MLitt (Distinction) Creative Writing from Glasgow University.
In 2023, Frances won Bloody Scotland/ Glencairn Crime Short Story Competition and in 2024 signed with literary agents A.M.Heath. After a ten-way auction, her debut novel A BAD BAD PLACE was published by Transworld at Penguin in February 2026. The novel has been shortlisted for the 2026 Theakston McDermid Debut Award, and the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize.
Frances grew up in North Glasgow and credits the good people of Possilpark and Milton as her writing inspiration. She still lives in Glasgow with her family and likes libraries and punk rock
A BAD BAD PLACE explores the far-reaching effects of a shocking crime on a Glasgow community of Possilpark in late 1970s. Alternating between 12-year-old Janey and her nana, Maggie, the dual narrative offers contrasting understandings of events, and despite the dark undertone and building danger, is laced with humour, resilience and love.
Other Awards
2023 Winner Bloody Scotland/ Glencairn Crime Short Story Competition
2026 Shortlist Theakston McDermid Debut Award
2026 Shortlist Bloody Scotland Debut Prize
Writes
Sub-genres
Books by Frances Crawford
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