Jackie Kay is a Scottish poet and novelist, and was recently the Scots Makar, or National Poet of Scotland. She is the author of a number of works, including The Adoption Papers, Trumpet, Red Dust Road and recently, Bessie Smith, a mixed-genre narrative of the singer’s life. The recipient of numerous prizes, she was also twice shortlisted for the Scottish Book of the Year Award. She is currently Professor of Creative Writing at Newcastle University.