An Important Update 12/08/25

Since setting up my website over a year and a half ago there has been the need to make a number of changes as things develop. But this latest update is significant and I feel it warrants explaining here. A few months ago I revisited book 2 in preparation for releasing the manuscript to a number of literary agents. As a result I made some small changes but the most significant change of all was to the ending. The revised ending now lends itself beautifully to a further story which leads directly on from the ending of book 2. I am now in the process of writing the new book 3. So the present book 3 will become book four.

Firstly.

I have always enjoyed working with children and making it fun. I was a governor at the primary school where my children went to school. It was there that I accepted the opportunity to run football training for the pupils and arrange football matches against other schools. Then in the summer months we switched to cricket. The football and cricket included boys and girls. Also, being a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, I trained children in this South Korean martial art. Again I felt it was important to make it fun. I am a great believer that making things enjoyable for children helps them learn.  I now see my writing of children stories as a way to continue my enjoyment of engaging with them. 

My Brief Story.

Up until some time ago, not one single thought had entered my head relating to any form of fictional writing. Although I have always had a childlike imagination and have made up children's stories in my head for many years. I would often make up stories for my own children purely and simply for their enjoyment and mine.  It wasn't until recently, whilst recovering from a serious illness, did I start to write. I have surprised myself how much I am enjoying writing. I have found the process of putting words down from thoughts that have been in my head fascinating. Grammar is also interesting. It can make such a difference as to how the story is read. It has been a steep learning curve and I am sure there is still lots to learn. I now belong to a writing community, WriteMentor, where writers can support each other, attending events, such as zoom meetings with successful authors and literary agents and much more. It feels as though I am starting a new chapter in my life which is most welcome after the most difficult period.

I had written three books in a series. But as explained above I am now writing a further book which will make it a series of four. Some of the story lines include my experiences in life but written for children which is full of fun and magic. The first book is called 'Isabelle And The Magic Shed'. The second story is called 'Isabelle Moving On'. The third story I am in the process of writing. And the fourth story is called ‘Charlie’s Unexpected Week’. I am not a fool in thinking that suddenly, I have the talent for writing the most brilliant stories that will attract enormous interest from literary agents. It is very difficult to achieve a traditional contract and like with any art it is subjective. But I have surprised myself and I believe in my stories as they are a part of me which I believe makes them unique. What I can say without any doubt is I have a childlike imagination, which I am sure helps, and the ability to make children laugh. Also they come from the heart, which I believe adds value and impact. If you choose to purchase, then firstly, thank you, and I hope you and your family will enjoy them. Are my books going to be best sellers? I doubt it. But are all the best-selling books, or number one albums, the best pieces of work? No. Do I consider my books/stories to be up there? No, but I think they have something different about them, as they are motivated by our children's wellbeing.

How did this all start?

Not planned at all, and whilst our grandchildren Isabelle and Charlie were on a sleepover with us, Isabelle asked me if she could listen to one of my stories that I would often make up for her and Charlie at bedtime. As a result, I made this story up and she loved it, and it also did the trick in getting them to sleep! 

The next time we were with the children, Isabelle asked me for another story. At that point I realised the potential of continuing the story on from the previous one. She loved that as well. Then some days later, as a project to help me keep occupied whilst recovering from illness, I decided to add further stories and make it into a book of chapters. At the end I thought the stories had something about them and were very different. But the rest of the family just took the mickey, none more so than my own children. 

I decided to ignore their leg pulling and explore the possibility of publishing. After a lot of research I eventually signed with Pegasus and 'Isabelle and The Magic Shed' was born. This project, without question, has helped me make sense of some of the challenges that have taken place in my life. Also, somehow it released the childlike imagination I have always had in me and gave me the motivation to do this. It has given me the confidence, energy, and focus to continue putting down in words forming fictional children’s stories that I have always had in my head. My following books in a series are more mature and have a gradual uplift on the theme of children's wellbeing, which, as you are by now no doubt aware, I am very passionate about.  

I am hoping that these books will provide a stepping stone to a platform that gives children an awareness that talking is a strength and not a weakness.  

I am very much aware there is now, within schools, more consideration given on this subject. But I feel it does no harm to periodically reflect and remind ourselves of its importance so that it does not get side lined which is easily done when everyone is so busy. A big percentage of a child's life is at school. So, to me, this makes complete sense. I am hoping that also my books provide a spring board to a society of acceptance that looking after our mental wellbeing is normal in the same way as looking after our bodies. So, your support, in any way, would be gratefully appreciated.  

Book 1 ‘Isabelle and the Magic Shed’ now available from Amazon, Foyles, Waterstones.

Book 1 'Isabelle and The Magic Shed'  - Picture Book (Aimed at 5–-7 year-olds).  Published 24/04/2025. 

Isabelle is a little bit naughty one day and enters her daddy’s shed knowing she is forbidden to do so, but as a result she goes on a journey of love, kindness and hope.  

Book 2 'Isabelle Moving On' - Chapter Book (Aimed at 7-10-year-olds) 

Isabelle has to move on from the Magic Shed, not knowing she will soon be on another journey. This time, a journey where she is asked to call on her experiences gained in the Magic Shed to help others. Isabelle’s younger brother Charlie is introduced into this story.

 Book 3 'I am writing at present

This story will continue directly on from where book 2 ends. I am very excited about this as it has opened up all sorts of magical paths for me to explore.

Book 4 'Charlie's Unexpected Week' - Young Adults (Aimed at 14–16-year-olds)

This story is set in the 1990’s, but the principles on the subjects/topics discussed are still the same, which include bullying, pressure of exams and social media. For some time social media has been used as a tool to hide behind and bully, which I find very difficult to stomach.

Charlie, Isabelle's younger brother, has a challenging week at high school where the students take part in a pilot project talking and debating some difficult subjects. This story is not meant to preach, it just explores the possible impact that the challenges they have to face, in and out of school, may have. There is a fun and humour attached to it. It is just intended to open our minds and give consideration as to how best to prepare for the future as it would appear the demands on our children are not going to get any easier. And as a result, likewise it is not getting any easier for teachers and parents. This story is pure fiction. The only real life element to it is a hint of my struggles as a teenager, one of which was being bullied. Through no fault of anyone or anything the demands on our children are significant, and it has been that way for sometime. And once again, there is social media, which fortunately my generation did not have to deal with. I feel it is so important to start to bring awareness to our children on how addictive and dangerous it can be. Maybe within schools. I worry about my grandchildren in their future years. The demands on us all are too great. Sometimes it helps to take a step back from this busy world we live in and be mindful of this.

The subjects talked about in book 4, are not all my views. They are a collection of thoughts/discussions I have kept in my memory banks for many years, from family, friends and beyond. Now included in a story which I hope opens our minds and forms a pathway to greater awareness and understanding.

Beyond All This  

I want to carry on writing children’s stories and to try and bring joy to all.  Making, and hearing children laugh is the most magical thing ever.

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