Stuart Kent from Ross-on-Wye has recently self-published his first novel, a children’s book entitled ‘The Catchers’.

Stuart and his family run Raglan House Cafe and Guest House. They moved to Ross about two years ago.

“I’ve always had an inkling to write,” Stuart told the Ross Gazette. He added that he’s been coming up with short stories for years, and had been encouraged by his friends and family to write a novel.

Stuart finally got the motivation he needed three years ago, when his brother announced that he and his wife were expecting their first child. “I wanted to do something they’d be proud of,” he said.

Stuart explained that although the book has taken a few years to write, coming up with the initial storyline only took him about six weeks. The remaining few years was spent re-jigging and re-writing the story.

The main character of the story is a little boy called Jamie Ellebert, who falls into a magical world with witches and wizards, where they search for lost magical creatures. Along the journey, they meet a dark wizard, who throws a spanner in the works.

The novel is aimed at children, aged 11 and up, but Stuart said that anyone could enjoy the story. While he said his story was similar to another much-loved magical world, brought to life by JK Rowling, his story is more of a comedy, rather than a drama. “Hopefully readers will find it funny and entertaining,” he said.

Stuart plans to write four more stories, to form a series of books, with The Catchers being the first installment. “I just need to save the money to have them published,” he said.

Stuart contacted Troubador Publishing to have his book printed. It took about seven months to get his book published once he had finished the novel.

The Catchers is available to purchase from Raglan House Cafe.

Stuart has also donated a copy to Ross Library, where local residents can borrow a copy.