Clacton: Bedtime stories turn into a writing career (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Clacton: Bedtime stories turn into a writing career

10:13am Tuesday 9th September 2008 in Local By Claire Owen

A mum who created her own bedtime stories for her five children has had her tales published.

Caroline Cooper, of Alton Park Road, Clacton, used to make up fantastical fables about dragons and wizards for her kids Deborah, Sean, Lisa, Emma-Lee and Julie-Ann when they were small.

Now they are grown-up, the former coach driver hopes her first novel will be as well received by the public.

She said: “I first thought about trying to get published when I moved to Clacton from Caerphilly in Wales in 2003.

“Because my house needed so much work, I'd decided not to work for a couple of years – but boredom set in very quickly.

“My children said it was the perfect opportunity to work on my book because I hadn't had the time before.”

It's been a long process for Miss Cooper, 43, but her novel Saya will be on the market through Edward Gray Publications in October.

“i couldn't believe it when I found out I had been published,” said the 43-year-old, who lives with partner John.

“The kids were over the moon as well.”

Fantasy novel, Saya, tells the story of a young wizard girl who leaves her home planet after a battle, coming to Earth where she helps dragons fight the evil same wizards.

“Although it is about dragons and wizards, it's not necessarily what you expect,” said Miss Cooper.

“It's a book about survival, as the main character is trying to rid the Earth of anything that will harm it.”

She added: “As the children grew up, so did the story, so the book is mainly for adults now.

"Although if you skip chapter 16 you can still read it to your kids!”