Wake time wonders

BILLINGHAM-born writer Patrick Wilson decided to write a fantasy novel, called Octavia’s Wake, after his wife Claire gave birth to their pretty little daughter Emily, now aged two. The Hartlepool Borough Council worker, who now lives in Norton, said he would sit outside his newborn baby’s room to make sure she was okay and soothe her when she stirred.

But Patrick, 42, decided that instead of doing nothing during the hours in the night he was awake, he would write a book for Emily. As there were a few sleepless nights – as parents of newborns will know – Patrick ended up writing 80,000 words.

To illustrate the front and back covers, and the 33 chapters of the book, he called on the talents of art students at English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College, in Catcote Road – a school and college with which he has close links through work.

The sixth-form artists created a string of images which, as well as being used in the book, was exhibited at English Martyrs Art Gallery.

The book has recently been published by North-East company 6e creative who have helped with editing and proofing (6epublishing.net/paperbacks/octavias-wake).

* Patrick's book is currently available on amazon as a paperback and also for kindle on amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01061J79C

Viv Hardwick