Alcoholism centre of Bridgnorth grandmother's first novel
A retired mental health nurse from Bridgnorth has had her first novel published.
Karen Lockley has penned The Yellow Rose Bush and was at Peepo Pizza in Bridgnorth on Saturday to sign copies of her book.
The 57-year-old spent the past 30 years working as a mental health nurse but decided to retire and concentrate on writing.
The grandmother-of-two said: “I’ve always written stories and poems ever since I was a child.
“My ambition has always been to write a novel.
“When I started writing it six years ago it was at a time where I was going through a lot of trauma in my life.
“It’s based on my own experiences.”
The novel follows the journey of Fay, a shy young woman who falls in love with the person she believes to be the man of her dreams.
Alcoholism
They marry and have a child called Ben who grows up and has children of his own.
Fay also watches her husband Adam gradually lose his battle with alcoholism, until the only way she can prevent his addiction from eventually destroying her, as well as himself, is to leave him.
The story focuses on the impact addiction can have not only on the addict, but on those people around them.
A yellow rose bush features three times in the novel, symbolising something different each time.
Karen said: “Now my novel is published I feel as though I have finally realised a lifelong dream.
“I do feel a sense of achievement. I’ve had some positive feedback from people.
“I hope to go on and write more.
“While I was writing the book I had some self doubt and nearly gave up a few times, but I now feel motivated to carry on writing.
“I have had a lot of support from my family and friends and am dedicating this book to my mother.”
It is available on Amazon for £9.99 in paperback and £4.99 for the Kindle edition.
