Andrew J Keir was the first writer to be shortlisted twice for the Kitab/M Magazine short story prize, the largest prize in the Middle East for short stories in the English language (The Sirens' Song - 2009 and Moving Messages - 2010). His story Moving Messages was runner up in the 2010 competition.

The Abu Dhabi based author holds an MA from Lancaster University's prestigious Creative Writing programme. He is currently working on his second novel and a picture book for children. His first novel, Bloody Flies, is out in paperback and ebook.