[dropcap type=”circle”]F[/dropcap]or local author Keith McClellan, joining the writer’s group in Aynho, proved to be the catalyst he needed to get his first book published.
The former Cooper School headteacher who retired 17 years ago, achieved his dream of becoming a published novelist after taking part in writing courses and being inspired and encouraged by members of his local writers group.
Keith said: “We meet every month to share our writing and one month we were set the task of writing something with the title bootlegger. I wrote the first chapter that eventually became my book. The characters just got hold of me and I couldn’t stop!
“I also met up with fellow students from the writing course I went on and that really helped because we talked about our work. I got about two thirds of the way through writing the book and started to struggle. Someone gave me some advice to write the end. I did and it really helped.”
Keith self-published his book, The Bootlegger’s Widow, and his keen to encourage others to do the same. He added: “I would definitely recommend self-publishing. It took me five or six years to write the book-I didn’t set out to write a novel but that is what happened!”
Keith’s book is set in Cornwall in 1797. Recently widowed Martha Baines is defenceless against corrupt revenue man, Rawdon, and Richard Trewarren, heir to the local manor, who is prone to gambling and venality. Forced into prostitution, can she survive their predations? Will Richard Trewarren’s self-deception ultimately lead to catastrophe.
The Bootlegger’s Widow has received excellent reviews on Amazon, and can be purchased here
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bootleggers-Widow-Keith-McClellan-ebook/dp/B00NWPPCBW
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