Telford author's debut reflects on 'what ifs' of early love

It tells the story of Freddie and Jo-Jo, two old flames who are reunited in a coffee shop 35 years after the end of their teenage romance.

But for Steve in real life, it hasn't turned out like that, as there has been no reunion years later, he is no longer in touch with his old flame, and he wonders what she is doing now.

"The characters are all amalgamations, caricatures of people I knew from my teenage years," says Steve, who is in his mid-50s and unmarried.

He lives in Aqueduct, and is a senior social work manager for a West Midlands council.

"The story is about lost love, reflecting on early life relationship opportunities, wondering what if? I have used the characters of Freddie and Jo-Jo as part of a cathartic process.

"Jo-Jo never existed as one person, but there was a romance that ended abruptly and has always remained with me.

"They say experiences at that age matter so much more and stay with you for the rest of your life. That’s true in my case and I’ve never forgotten that time or the person.

"Someone once said to me that the person I was with all those years ago had my heart with her, locked up in a box. That could be an overstatement, and is probably a bit of a cliché, but she certainly left her mark.

"I’m not in touch with her now and there has not been a fairytale reunion. That’s probably a good thing. Better to remember it as it was – or at least as I remember it, although I am intrigued to know what happened to her and if she shares my memories of events all those years ago.

"The reaction to the book has been positive – four and five star reviews on Amazon and Netgally. The comments with the reviews are particularly pleasing, telling me it has struck a chord.

"The book is available through all the usual retailers and there is an ebook. I’m working on book two, which will probably be out next autumn."