Everyone at Portraits by Hart would like to offer their congratulations to Alan on the publication of his first novel. The Notebook Dress, the first volume in Alan Smith's captivating Harvester of the Now trilogy is a new type of fantasy novel, which blends a wide range of eclectic styles to tell a uniquely epic story.

Alan Smith has been writing fiction and poetry since his early childhood. He thanks several inspirational teachers at Belle Vue Primary School in Wordsley, particularly Sheila Allan who gave his parents the sound advice to buy him a word processor as soon as they possibly could!

Alan studied English under the tutorage of Derek Underhill at Dudley College, and then continued his academic education at both Wolverhampton and Worcester University.

Alan is an accomplished comedy writer, and formed a successful partnership with Robert Whitehouse whilst at Dudley College. The pair have released several audio and visual recordings and are currently working on new material together.

Alan is also a published poet, whose work has appeared in a number of anthologies and magazines and won several awards, including the National Poetry Award for his poem: Past Pain. His first collection: A Sour Peach was published in 2005 and a second collection is planned for 2007.

In 2005 Alan began poetry workshops in local primary schools, a service he hopes will continue this year when his first book of children's poetry is released.