Julia Sutherland, a member of a local writing group, has had her first book published; The Tug of War.

The novel is set in May 1944. The main character, Corporal Andrew Thomas is a tank driver, and is present at the Normandy D-Day landings.

His tank develops a mechanical fault, and he is ordered to stay in an old chateaux, to remain safe. He meets a young woman, who cares for him, but, all too soon, he is dragged back to war.

Julia told the Ross Gazette that the book is based on true events. She said that her inspiration for the story came when she met her friend’s uncle at a dinner party.

She said that she had been talking to him during the evening, and he revealed that he had been at the Normandy landings in 1944, and he was a tank driver.

His tank had broken down, and he was instructed to stay where he was, and he was looked after by a French family. But Julia said that the rest of the story was an invention.

She added that only one character in the book, Big Dave, was based on a friend of hers, but she said that he died while she was writing the book.

Originally from Somerset, Julia told the Gazette that she married a Ross man, and has lived in the area for ten years now.

Julia goes to the weekly writing group, Ross Writers at the Globetrotter Coffee House, every Thursday morning. She told the Gazette that each session, the group writes a short story, of about 500 words, about a particular topic.

The authors then read their stories, and other members of the group critique their work, but in a positive way. She added that it is a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere, and they can enjoy tea and coffee together.

Julia said that she enjoys meeting other like-minded people, and getting feedback on her work.

She added that she has been a member of Ross Writers for about a year, and when she started the group, she had almost finished writing her novel, but she also attends the Forest of Dean weekly writing group, run by local author, Claire Hamilton.

The ending of The Tug of War has been left open, so Julia plans to go back and write a sequel.

The Tug of War is available on Amazon, both as a Kindle edition, and as a hard copy. Julia’s story has attained glowing reviews. One reader commented: “A well-written and sensitive book that will stay in the mind long afterwards. A very good and engaging read. I highly recommend it.”

Julia told the Ross Gazette that new members of the group are always welcome. Ross Writers meet at the Globetrotters Coffee House on Thursday mornings, from 10am to 11.30am. They are currently on a break, but will resume writing in January.