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.  

I have written three stories in a series. Some of the story lines include my experiencies in life but written in a childlike way 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 is called ‘Charlie’s Unexpected Week At Castle High’. 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, 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 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. 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 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 I will be having further discussions with a number publishers in due course. 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.  

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 know we now pay more attention to this subject within our schools but maybe it will help us to maintain and keep our focus on the importance of looking after our children’s mental health within our schools. A big percentage of a child's life is at school. So, to me, this makes complete sense. I am hoping a path will open up through my books to get us all talking. Particuraly to educators. I am hoping interest will increase through my books so I can have some impact in this area. 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' (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, 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)

This story is set in the 1990’s, but the principles on the subjects/topics discussed are still the same. Which include bullying and pressure of exams.

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. There is a fun and humour attached to it. It is just intended to open our minds and motivate us all to start talking and giving thought as to how these important subjects can be considered where the students thoughts are included. Children need to be healthy, mentally as well as physically. Parents and Teachers need to be healthy mentally in order to give them the support they need. We all need to maintain healthy minds as well as healthy bodies. 

I feel the demands on children are too great and have been for a long time. I worry about my grandchildren in their future years. The 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 for us all to start having an inpact in this area. Parents, Students and Teachers should all be communicating together on this subject.

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.

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