First-time author realises novel dream

MEET DIY author Harry Browne. The 71-year-old, from Donnycarney, who took up writing just two years ago, has written a novel, which he typeset, edited, designed the cover and self-published.

Harry’s science fiction novel, entitled

‘Time and Time Again’, has been published in virtual form on Kindle eBooks and in paperback on CreateSpace, an Amazon company.

‘Time And Time Again’ is based on time travel and is a story laced with humour. The main character, Michael Brennan, invents a time machine and sets off on an adventure. Along the way he meets different people, gets into a number of scrapes and has to find ways to get out of them.

When Harry decided to write his first novel, it was not surprising that he chose the sci-fi genre.

“I’ve been reading science fiction since I was eight-years-old so I had already done my research from a long way back,

? he told Northside People.

“I only got into this writing lark two years ago. There is an organisation in Russell Street in the north inner city called

‘Fighting Words’, which was established by Roddy Doyle and Sean Love.

“My son was a volunteer there and he was nagging at me to become a volunteer too and sign up.

“Then they offered me an opportunity to do a creative writing course for free, which I accepted.

“Doing the course gave me the impetus to write the book. I also did a couple of masterclasses with Roddy Doyle. He told me that a novel was anything between 80,000 and 120,000 words. I wrote my book in eight months, which finished up at 82,000 words.

?

Harry, who is a member of a writers’ group called Ink Splinters, said he was thrilled when he received the first hardback version of his book.

“It’s a fantastic feeling when you see your name on the cover of a book and a great boost for your confidence,

? he stated.

“My four children have read it and all of them have been very complimentary. I’m working on the sequel now.

?

‘Fighting Words’ is a creative writing centre that helps students of all ages to develop their writing skills and to explore their love of writing.

It provides storytelling workshops for primary school groups, creative writing workshops for secondary students, summer camps for kids and teens and seminars, workshops and tutoring for adults. All tutoring is free.

After completing his creative writing course, Harry decided he wanted to give something back.

“I became an enthusiastic volunteer and get great enjoyment from it,

? he said.

“There are two sessions per day Monday to Friday. The morning session is for primary schoolchildren and the secondary students come in, in the afternoon.

?

If you would like to purchase a copy of

‘Time And Time Again’, visit Amazon .com and type Harry Browne Scifi into the search line.

Also, if you would like more information on the book, email [email protected]