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A Nottinghamshire deputy editor is quitting journalism to concentrate on his burgeoning writing career.

Stephen Booth, who works for the Worksop Guardian, made the decision to quit the newsdesk after clinching a new contract with publishing giants Harper Collins.

His debut crime novel, Black Dog, became a worldwide hit when it was released last year, making the bestsellers lists on both sides of the Atlantic.

The story, which was set in the Derbyshire peaks, captured readers’ imaginations and a sequel, Dancing with the Virgins is released in May.

Now Harper Collins has asked him to write two more novels in the series.

And if that wasn’t enough, United Broadcasting, which owns Anglia, Meridian and HTV, has bought up the rights to turn the novels into a television series.

Explaining his decision to quit the Guardian, Stephen said: “It’s a bit of a wrench to be leaving but writing a novel is a full time job in itself and it’s what I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

Stephen will now work from home and has a new deadline – one book a year.

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