A former regional journalist turned novelist has landed a deal to publish three books.

Liz Eeles, left, formerly of Gloucester daily The Citizen, has realised her dream of being a published author after the release of romantic comedy Annie’s Lovely Choir by the Sea, and publisher Bookouture has commissioned her to write two further books.

The novel is set in a tiny Cornish community and is described as being about “long-lost family, long-buried secrets and the healing power of music”.

Liz joined The Citizen after leaving school, spending six years there in the 1980s as a reporter and later assistant news editor.

She also met her husband Tim, now a Mail on Sunday journalist, while working there. The couple now live in Shoreham, Sussex.

Liz said: “Now I’m writing novels and, after so many years of dealing with facts, it’s lovely to have the freedom to make things up.

“I’m very fortunate that I’m able to write books full-time now. I admire people who manage to write books as well as hold down a day job and look after children.

“I was never able to manage that and am only published now that both of my children are grown-up.”