WOKINGHAM author Stephen Ross launched his debut novel in Wokingham Library.
The Candlemaker’s Affair, set in Bracknell and Basingstoke, tells the disastrous tale of a well-respected man whose mid life insecurities lead him to make seriously unwise choices.
Stephen spoke about his book to an audience of family, friends and members of the Wokingham Writers Group.
To a soundtrack of songs mentioned in the novel, and holding back tears, he talked about some of the places and events that had inspired the story, and the hurdles he had encountered along the way.
“I’ve written this novel for people born in the 25 years after WW2,” he said, “Those who are now caring for elderly parents and supporting grown-up children.
The book’s protagonist, Trevor, having reached middle age, wants to replace the lost intimacy of a somewhat lacklustre marriage.
Seeking comfort elsewhere, he is tempted to make rash decisions he may later regret, in a clear case of mid-life crisis.
“All the places in the book are real, but obviously, not the events,” Stephen said.
“Weaving many background personal memories and anecdotes into this story made me laugh and cry in equal measure, as I let them flow to my keyboard,” he said.
Stephen’s novel is more than just a story – he describes it as his legacy.
He had half completed it when symptoms he was experiencing worsened, and he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in December last year.
“Getting published has been hard in so many ways, physically writing the book, and pushing hard to sell it on Amazon, but I’m really pleased it’s done,” he said.
“Persistence is the key.”
A computer engineer for 40 years, Stephen at last found time and resources to put finger to keyboard, and the diagnosis, when it came, gave him the push he needed to complete his cautionary tale.
“I started writing in 2020, and had completed around 50,000 words by November, but it was slow, and I got diverted,” he said.
“When I had my diagnosis, I was told I had around three years left.
“I thought, in the limited time I have, I’ve got to do this.
“In three months I managed to double the number of words, and by Easter was able to send the book to the printer.”
The project has been a close family and friends affair.
Long time friend Nigel Hoppit, whose daughter, Anne-Marie proof read and edited the book, said: “We’re all really proud of Steve.
“And for the Wokingham Writers Group to come together to support him is wonderful.”
To coincide with the launch of his book, Stephen set up a JustGiving fundraising page to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association
“I’ve been given medication that can extend my life by three months, but there is no cure yet,” he said.
“All I can do is to raise awareness.”
Stephen’s wife, Milly, said: “I’m so proud of Steve, and what he has achieved.
“You never know what is around the corner, or how much time you have left, so enjoy every minute of life.”
As Stephen says in his book: ‘We need times like these to appreciate what we have and to make the most of the time left with our families’.
Showing immense strength and courage in the face of life’s hurdles, and with his book safely launched, Stephen and Milly intend to do just that.
The Candlemakers Affair is available from Amazon for £14.99.
It can be found by visiting: www.amazon.co.uk
To support the Neurone Disease Association, visit Stephen’s JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com and search for candle-maker
