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Keith Gray grew up in a village called Humberston, near Grimsby in Yorkshire. He was into tree climbing when he was younger, and didn’t really like reading books- comics were what he loved reading!
 The first proper book he ever read was Robert Westall’s ‘The Machine Gunners’ and that made him decide to become a writer….
When Keith was in the sixth form at the Lindsey School in Cleethorpes he would write a story, get his friend to draw to draw a front cover, then they would photocopy the books and sell them to their friends. To his surprise the books sold and gave him the courage to submit his stories to professional magazines where he had two or three accepted. Keith did have ambitions to be an actor and a rock star. He played bass guitar in a local band!
While he tried to get his first book published, Keith worked as a truck driver delivering lawnmowers, paving slabs and fertilizer, and also in a pizza restaurant-eating as much pizza as possible (favourite topping pepperoni and pineapple) He even dressed up as Billy Bob the Bear at Pleasure Island theme Park in Cleethorpes.
His first book, Creepers, was published in 1996. The novel was highly acclaimed and shortlisted for the Guardian Fiction Award. He has since gone on to win the Angus book Award and the Silver Medal in the Smarties Prize. Rave reviews about his writing have appeared in every broadsheet. Keith mainly writes for young teenagers!
 
Keith’s most successful books to date have been Warehouse (2002) Malarkey (2003) and Fearful (2005). His latest book is the Chain published (2006).
As well as writing. Keith also loves to travel. His trips include going to the mountains in Poland, fishing for piranha in Venezuela and bungee jumping in Las Vegas!
Factfile:
Keith’s first book Creepers was dedicated to his pet hamster, Jack
Rude Jokes make Keith laugh
Keith usually writes through the night (from midnight onwards)
Check out Keith's books in your library or if you want to find out more about Keith log on to his website:
http://keith-gray.com/
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