A BLOSSOMING Saddleworth author never dreamed her story about an old man and a charm bracelet would capture the hearts of readers in 19 different countries…
But that is exactly what Phaedra Patrick has achieved with her debut novel ‘The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper’.
Inspired by the married mum-of-one’s own charm bracelet, the book, released on April 7, has been praised as “eccentric, charming and wise” by best-selling author Nina George.
But Phaedra admitted hitting on the right topic was not easy – and this was actually her sixth attempt to get a book published.
She said: “I have three books I’ve written lying in a drawer somewhere and another two didn’t get accepted by publisher.
“I used to write about young women but there are already so many books about that. So I thought I would write about an old man instead and be a little different.
“I didn’t think a book about a Yorkshire man would translate very well into other cultures! But I suppose everyone has a father, brother, son or uncle they can relate to.
“I had a silver charm bracelet when I was a child and I had been showing it to my son and telling him where each one came from – so that’s the idea behind the book too.”
The story follows 69-year-old widower Arthur Pepper who, on the first anniversary of his wife Miriam’s death, discovers her charm bracelet hidden away.
Charm by charm, Arthur follows clues around the world to discover Miriam’s secret life before they met, on a journey that leads him to find hope in the most unexpected places.
With the book still hot off the press, Phaedra revealed she has already finished her second book – again with a male hero – to be considered for publication.
She added: “When I was made redundant from the Co-op last year, I decided it was a good time to give writing another go and luckily I got a deal to write two books.
“It took me quite a lot of time to get to this point and I want to be able to help others. So I’ve added some tips on my website to try to help would-be writers.”
‘The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper’, published by Harlequin MIRA (Harper Collins) is priced at £12.99 (hardbook/ebook) and is available from Amazon, Waterstone, WH Smith and other bookstores.
Visit Phaedra’s website to find out more about her work and read her A-Z of friendly tips and advice for would-be writers: www.phaedra-patrick.com/writing-tips
To win a hardback copy of ‘The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper’ by Phaedra Patrick, simply answer this question:
What is the special item of jewellery that features in the book?
Email your answer, with full name, address and daytime telephone number, to aimee@saddind.co.uk or write to: Book competition, Saddleworth Independent, 5 Kinders Crescent, Greenfield, Saddleworth OL3 7JQ.
The first correct entry drawn after the closing date of Friday, April 29 wins the book.
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