Rowena Macdonald was born on the Isle of Wight, grew up in the West Midlands and now lives in east London. Smoked Meat (Flambard Press), her debut collection, was shortlisted for the 2012 Edge Hill Prize. Her second collection of stories will be published by Influx Press later this year. She has also recently finished a novel, which is currently with her agent, Zoe Ross of United Agents.