17 April 2013

Lecturer puts the 'magyck' into writing

A senior lecturer in midwifery from the University of Dundee has proven that his literary prowess is not restricted to writing academic papers by creating a series of children's books, the first of which will be published this weekend.

Andrew Symon, from the University's College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, will be signing copies of his debut novel 'Jack Shian and the King's Chalice' at WH Smith in High Street. Perth on Saturday, 20th April.

Andrew has previously written and edited books related to midwifery but the first instalment in the Jack Shian trilogy, which is aimed at the 9-15 age group, is the first time he has written for a younger audience.

The book tells the story of 12-year-old Jack, who secretly belongs to an amazing and powerful group of otherworld creatures called the Shian who inhabit a 'magyck' world hidden underneath Edinburgh Castle. When Jack and his cousins discover that an ancient lost chalice will make the Shian even more powerful, they become determined to find it only to find there are others with the same ambition.

"The idea came to me when my children were around Jack's age," explained Andrew. "I'd had a thought in the back of my head for a while that I'd like to write a contemporary fantasy adventure with a Scottish background. I used to live in Edinburgh and my train of thought was sparked by the return of the Stone of Destiny.

"My professional role obviously involves writing, but the most striking thing is that even though the styles are very different, the skills are complementary. I think my writing skills at work have probably improved because I've spent so much of my spare time honing drafts of chapters."

Before embarking on the writing process, Andrew pored over books about Scottish folklore, a subject that has always held a fascination for him, and he acknowledges the influence of another Scottish fantasy writer.

"JK Rowling is a genius - she opened up a whole new world. Also, like CS Lewis there is faint Christian allegory evident in the first book but I don't want it to look as if I'm preaching. My sons, Jamie and David liked the book but suggested a bit more blood and gore so I beefed it up!"

Andrew has completed all three books and the second part of the trilogy will be published this autumn.

'Jack Shian and the King's Chalice', published by Black & White Publishing, will be launched at WH Smith, High Street, Perth on Saturday, 20th April. Andrew will be signing copies of the book from 1-2pm.

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