Tom Alan

Tom Alan is a British author and teacher known for his humorous and insightful works about life's unexpected twists and turns. Born in London to Irish parents, Tom's upbringing was influenced by diverse cultural influences. His passion for travel and teaching has led him to work as a primary school teacher in the UK, Kuwait, Japan and Spain. In the classroom, Tom embraced humour, even wearing a collection of 'comedy' ties to entertain his pupils — a favourite being one decorated with London buses.

Under the pseudonym Jeremy Dean, Tom has contributed columns to publications such as the Times Educational Supplement and Babel: The Language Magazine, focusing on linguistics and teaching English to foreigners.

His eBook, Zen Kyu Maestro: An English Teacher's Spanish Adventure (2013), is a 'fictionalised' account of his experiences teaching in Spain. He continues to write a monthly column on expat life for Poble, the local magazine in Vila-real.

Tom's debut novel, Hitting the Jackpot (2023), explores the dilemmas faced by Jack, an English teacher who unexpectedly wins a multi-million-pound lottery. Jack's already troubled marriage to his soon-to-be ex-wife is further complicated when he decides to keep his windfall a secret. With his brother sworn to silence, Jack plans to use his hidden fortune to soften the blow of his divorce. But his wife's suspicions and the arrival of the unpredictable Milly after a car accident lead to a series of comic and tense situations. The novel is a humorous look at secrets, happiness and what really matters in relationships.

In The Last App (2024), Tom delves into darker territory with a psychological family drama. Dr Mick Strong, celebrating his seventy-fifth birthday, buys a new LifeTime app that predicts the user's remaining life expectancy based on health and lifestyle data. He gives the app to his family, asking them to wait until birthdays.

The app's predictions cause an uproar as family members grapple with the implications, reacting with scepticism, fear or obsessive lifestyle changes. The novel offers a poignant reflection on mortality, family ties and the uncertainty of life.

Since 2006, Tom and his wife Jill have lived in a town north of Valencia. They enjoy the local culture and are keen supporters of Villarreal Club de Fútbol.

Photo credit: www.bloodhoundbooks.com