Duncan was born in Newport-on-Tay, Scotland[1] and was educated at the High School of Dundee[2] before studying geology at the University of St Andrews.

He made his first sale (A Rose-Red City) two years later in 1986 at the age of 53, just two weeks after his 31-year career as a geologist came to an end due to a slump in the oil business, at which point he switched to full-time writing.

A dying petrochemical plant manager named Wallie Smith is transferred from Earth into the body of a master swordsman in a pre-technological world by a goddess for her own purposes.

The voice I hear this passing night was heard In ancient days by emperor and clown: Perhaps the self-same song that found a path Through the sad heart of Ruth, when sick for home, She stood in tears amid the alien corn; The same that oft-times hath Charm'd magic casements, opening on the foam Of perilous seas, in faery lands forlorn.

Published using the pseudonym Ken Hood: A series of young adult books set in the "King's Blades" world: Omnibus edition of all three is titled The Monster War, ISBN 1497627087 A series of young adult short stories: Omnibus edition of all three is titled The Adventures of Ivor, ISBN 1927400899