A BEST-selling children's author is refusing to go to New York to publicise his latest novel after a dream warning that he would be shot dead during a book signing.

Graham Taylor, 47, of Scalby, near Scarborough, has enjoyed huge success with his first two novels, Shadowmancer and Wormwood, leading to film deals and a comic book serialisation.

But he fears that if he steps foot in New York to publicise his new novel, Tersias, a premonition may come true.

Mr Taylor said his American publishers Penguin Putnam had delayed the publication of Tersias in the US until May, in the hope they may persuade him to do a book signing tour.

But the former vicar, who writes as GP Taylor, said: "I won't be going back to New York.

"I do feel God has given me a warning and I should obey that warning."

Mr Taylor had the dream in October 2002, several months before he found success with Shadowmancer.

In the dream, he saw the publishing deal he would secure, the subsequent film deals and the house he would move into in Scalby - details which have all come true.

It was while signing copies of Shadowmancer in a New York bookshop last year that he recognised the store as being the one from his dream.

Mr Taylor has received a number of angry letters from Christian fundamentalists who say his books could lead children into witchcraft.

He has had premonitions before, including a voice that told him to avoid London on July 7, the day of the terrorist bombings in the capital.

Helena Zedig, publicity manager with his British publishers Faber and Faber, said: "If GP Taylor has any concerns we take them very seriously and we make sure the best decisions are taken."

Penguin Putnam were unavailable for comment.