A former weekly newspaper editor who spent more than 20 years in journalism has had his first novel published.

Chris Hill, a former editor at the weekly Gloucestershire News Series, has had his book Song of the Sea God published by Skylight Press.

The novel is set on a small island off the coast of England where a strange figure washes up and tries to convince local people that he is a god.

Chris, who now works as a PR officer for charity WellChild, started his career as a reporter on the North West Evening Mail before moving to Northcliffe’s Gloucestershire Media, where he was news editor of The Citizen from 1994 to 2000.

He was then editor of the Gloucestershire News Series until 2008, which included now-defunct free weeklies the Gloucester News, Cheltenham News and Tewkesbury News. 

Chris said: “I’m delighted to have my novel published – it’s great after working hard for a long time to improve as a writer to have the satisfaction of having a book out.

“I definitely feel my years as a journalist helped me on the road to becoming a published author. It’s a career where you meet all kinds of people from all walks of life and that’s a huge advantage. It also teaches you the discipline as a writer and editor which you need as a novelist.

“I know lots of journalists write fiction and it’s tough to find a publisher, especially in the current climate, but I’m proof that you can do it if you keep on keeping on.”

The book has already been shortlisted for two national awards, including the Daily Telegraph’s Novel in a Year prize, while Chris read from it in public for the first time when he appeared at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Daniel Staniforth from Skylight Press said: “Song of the Sea God comes from both the ancient incantations of history and mythology and the awkward cadences of the modern age.

“The plot is riddled with humour and pathos, which will delight fans of the contemporary British literary novel. With rich symbolism and delicious twists of irony, Hill takes the reader on a microcosmic wild ride in a story told by a mute that starts in a pub called The Vengeance.”

Chris has previously had success as a short story writer, including winning one of Britain’s biggest story awards, The Bridport Prize.

Song of the Sea God is available to buy from Amazon and from Skylight Press.