My Brief Story.

Up until some months 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.  

My dad passed away when I was eleven. The impact that had on me was huge but now finally, with help, I have managed to say goodbye. Dad, thank you for all your love and amazing times we had. I will never forget you and maybe I will see you again sometime. 

I have written three stories in a series. The first book is called 'Isabelle And The Magic Shed'. Story two of book 2, 'Isabelle Moving On' subtly touches on the impact losing him had on me but written in a magical, fun way which I believe gives hope. I hid this away inside me for so many years until now. Story 3 of book 2 includes our dog Bruno who sadly is no longer with us. Somehow he understood me and new when I needed some comport. Book 3, ‘Charlie’s Unexpected Week At Castle High’. Also includes some of my struggles in and out of school. Just a taste of some of the motivation behind my books. I am not a fool in thinking that suddenly, I have a talent for writing the most brilliant stories. But what I do have, is a childlike imagination and they all come from the heart, which I think 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, because they are motivated by consideration given to our children's wellbeing.  But they are written in a fun and magical way. This also I believe adds impact.

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 for a while, 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 took the mickey, none more so than my own children. 

I decided to ignore their leg pulling and issue it to some publishers.  To my great excitement I got three offers and a lot of interest from others. Eventually I signed with Pegasus and 'Isabelle and The Magic Shed' was born - due to be published T.B.C. This project, without question, has helped me make sense of some of the traumatic things that have gone on in my life. Also, somehow it released the childlike imagination I have always had in me and gave me real focus and motivation to do this. It is almost impossible to achieve a traditional contract unless you are a successful author or a celebrity. All the offers I had, were hybrid contracts where the author is asked to make a financial contribution alongside the contribution of the publisher. It will take quite a few sales to break even. But I feel it is worth it, and worth the risk and It’s about more than just money. Anyone can self-publish and have published almost anything they write. With a hybrid contract the author’s manuscript is reviewed by the publisher and a decision is made as to whether they wish to go ahead and publish. 

What it has done, is 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. The manuscripts of my following two books are complete and with publishers ready to go. They 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, particularly the effect trauma can have on children which can manifest itself much later in life.  

I am hoping that these books will give me a platform to bring some awareness relating to mental health and wellbeing of our children.   

I would also like to try and focus on the importance of looking after our children’s mental health within their schools. A big percentage of a child's life is at school. So, to me, this makes complete sense. My school days weren't great. I was bullied and I found the pressure of exams too much and I struggled academically. I have now come to realise that I was not alone in that, and others were also struggling like me and locking it away whilst trying to cope. I am hoping a path will open up through my books to get us all talking. Particuraly to educators. Maybe my books would help in schools as part of their education and the importance of children feeling comfortable to talk. Let's get us all get mindful on this subject even if it has not impacted you. It is time, I feel, for us all to become more aware and try and make a difference together. The more interest I have in my books the better chance I have of fulfilling this desire. Your support, in any way, would be gratefully appreciated.  

Book 1 'Isabelle and The Magic Shed' (Aimed at 6–8-year-olds) 

As already mentioned, this is being produced at present. And I am hoping to achieve publication T.B.C. 

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, and by accident, she goes on a journey of discovery, love, kindness and friendship.  

Book 2 'Isabelle Moving On' (Aimed at 8–10-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 'Charlie's Unexpected Week at Castle High' (Aimed at 14–16-year-olds) 

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, I hope, really motivates us all to start talking and giving thought to how this can be best achieved. Our children are our future. They need to be healthy, mentally as well as physically. Parents and Teachers need to be healthy in order to give them the support they need. We all need to maintain healthy minds as well as healthy bodies. 

From experience I feel the current demands on children are too great. Current demands on us all are too great. Is it sustainable? I'm not sure it is. 

The subjects talked about in book 3, 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 brings energy and desire to bring this subject to the fore, where none of us are taking life so seriously, so we can laugh and have more fun together. As a nation, indeed as humans, we must try to be more fun-loving. That within itself is healthy.

Beyond All This  

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

Finally, one of my ambitions in life has been to act. Particularly, within comedy. I said to myself, sometime ago though, that this opportunity had passed me by. But I still hold onto one thought of maybe becoming a voiceover in an animated film. I am now, almost undeniably, in La-La land here. But if any of my stories were animated, I would absolutely love to play one of the characters. No harm in dreaming. 

I have locked in my head more amazing children’s stories, and now, perhaps they can come alive. Humour is a key part of them. My hope is that success grows - and as a result you and your family can enjoy the slightly nutty world of Royboy.