A WOKINGHAM author has just published his debut novel, a tense romantic fiction.
Stephen Ross, a Member of Wokingham Writers Group, will launch his new book, The Candlemaker’s Affair, next month.
Set in Bracknell and Basingstoke, it tells the disastrous tale of a man led by passion to follow a dangerous path of destruction.
After his wife enters the menopause, Trevor, a well-respected member of the community falls for the charms of an oriental prostitute.
After deciding to establish his girlfriend in her own brothel, he sets them both on a terrible course.
“Sex is in there,” said Stephen, “after all, it’s called The Candlemaker’s Affair, not The Candlemaker’s game of Ludo, but it’s character driven.
“It’s a story about relationships, and the consequences of Trevor’s actions for his wife and family.
“It’s aimed at the sandwich generation, looking after ageing parents, and their young adult children just starting out.
“Some elements of the story come from my own experiences – there’s plenty in the story that should resonate.”
The writing process has not been without its challenges, one of which has been Stephen’s diagnosis just before Christmas last year, of motor neurone disease.
He had experienced symptoms for more than a year before the confirmation, and has found using a keyboard increasingly hard.
“It has been a bit of an uphill struggle,” he said.
“I thought I really have to get going on this.”
His diagnosis gave him the push to finish his book as soon as possible, and inspired him to set up a JustGiving fundraising page for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
“The charity has been very helpful to me, and I’m grateful that I’ve already had some generous donations to my fundraising campaign.
“The NHS has been astonishing, too.
“I only have to pick up the phone to ask for help with physiotherapy or something and they are on it in a flash.”
Stephen’s book launch takes place at Wokingham Library, on Thursday, August 1, from 4pm until 7pm.
The Candlemaker’s Affair, published by Candlemakers Yard ISBN: 9781068624605, can be found on Ebay, priced £14.99.
Stephen’s JustGiving page can be found by searching for candle-maker-1712138032164
