Painter pursues new novel idea

THIS Saturday, Judith Rook will see the publication of her first novel.

Already a celebrated painter, Rook decided to peruse literature after gaining confidence in University of the Third Age writing group.

Titled Ravens Hollow, her new book follows the story of a murdered Chinese miner as his soul is left to drift through eternity, trapped in the terror of Ravens Hollow.

“Despite Ravens Hollow being fictional, I was able to draw a lot of inspiration from my memories growing up in a country town,” she said.

“Though none of the events happened to me or in the town I grew up in, the location at least provided material for my imagination to run with.”

The idea emerged years ago, but listening and learning from other writers in her U3A group gave Rook a much-needed boost.

“We’re just a group that meet every fortnight and submit pieces,” she said. “We all just encourage each other and learn from each other.

“It’s nothing formal, but it’s amazing how you pick up so much and it’s the confidence too.

“I realised I wanted to write many years ago, but I never thought it would be possible.

“I always had ideas for my own life experiences or my imagination, but it wasn’t until the last couple of years that I realised I could put this story that I had in my mind into a book.

“It was very surprising to me.”

While late to the publishing game herself, Rook had some advice for aspiring authors of any age.

“I’ve left behind another three books that didn’t come together,” she said. “You really have to keep at it and write lots and lots of words before you get exactly what you want.”

Ravens Hollow will be formally released on Saturday, 25 February.