Peak District trip for Sawley man leads to book inspiration and publishing deal

A former bricklayer and current college lecturer has taken inspiration from a trip home from the Peak District to write a children's book.

Steve Bull from Sawley responded to what was initially a bet with his wife as to who could write the best book whilst travelling back to the south of the borough from a trip out to North Derbyshire.

The book is about an ostrich called Odi that goes to the Animal Games.  Using his vivid imagination, Steve's work went down well with the family, and after a lot of pressure, he sent his work off to a number of publishers around the World before one – Kingsley Publishers – took him on for a three-book traditional contract.

With no formal training, no history of book writing or illustration experience, Steve was able to publish a children's book which, he said, around only 1% of people will be able to do.

He is due to launch his book at The Farm Shop in Long Eaton on Sunday 26th November from 2:30pm.  10% of all book sales at the launch event will be donated to the Brain Tumour Charity, but there will also be collections on the day.  The donations will be made after one of Steve's friends died from a brain tumour a few years ago.