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Journalist publishes first novel 30 years after writing it

A former award-winning reporter has published his debut children’s book – after originally writing it on a typewriter 30 years ago.

John Duckers spent 16 years on the news side of The Press and Journal in Aberdeen, and then 18 years as business editor of The Birmingham Post.

Now a freelance writer and blogger, John initially penned ‘The Amazing Adventures of the Silly Six’- when he lived in Scotland in the early 1980s.

It has now been published with part of the proceeds set to go to Birmingham-based charity Cure Leukaemia.

James McLaughlin, left, and John Duckers.

Said John:  “I wrote it in the typewriter era and, despite being turned down by publishers at the time, I have always believed in it – and children do seem to like it.

“So last summer I dusted it down, put the 40,000 words onto my computer, revamped small sections and got it prepared for another push.”

Aimed at youngsters, aged 5-12, it tells the story of Angus McMonty, a snake who is really a softie; Felicity, the dog; Suzi, the cat; Percy, the parrot; Nasher, the hamster and Mole.

The gang gets into all sorts of scrapes and naughtiness and their adventures range from meeting up with an escaped kangaroo from the local zoo to travelling to Inverness in search of, what else, but the Loch Ness monster.

“Kids at St. Bernard’s Catholic Primary School in Birmingham and Alford Primary School in Aberdeenshire have kindly illustrated it – my immense appreciation to them – and then it was all systems go,” added John.

“This time I decided on a completely different route – self-publishing and linking up with Cure Leukaemia who are taking a major role in its marketing. Essentially the aim is to get the book out there for children to enjoy and make some money for a wonderful organisation working with cancer sufferers.

“Publishing has undergone a revolution in recent years so driving the whole thing myself was not a problem. Hopefully it will provide pleasure and I describe it as a ‘cross-over’ because I am confident Big Children – mummies and daddies – will find it amusing too”

James McLaughlin, chief executive at Cure Leukaemia, said: “This is a wonderful gesture by John and our thanks go to him for making this contribution. This is our 10th anniversary year and we have been looking to increasingly emphasise our work with children via Cure Leukaemia for Kids.  So it is an ideal partnership.”

The book is published by Guildford-based Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd and purchasers are being urged where possible to order direct from Cure Leukaemia – £3.99 of the purchase price of £9.99 will then go to the charity.

Their contact details are Cure Leukaemia, Studio 21b, Victoria Works, Vittoria Street, Birmingham, B1 3PE, Tel: 0121 236 9202 and [email protected]