My first faction novel ‘THE CATALYST’ is now available on Kindle and paperback on Amazon and CreateSpace. It is about two people caught up in one of the horrendous terrorist London train bombings in 2005; the aftermath and how the support and love of family and friends – and humour – helped the protagonists recover. But that’s not all! There is a family secret and we get an insight into some of the characters’ lives too. Very few of us are islands.
For non-writers of books, can I give away a little secret here? Putting your words ‘out there’ is a little like walking down the street naked. It really is! Will someone point and snigger, or merely smile, being polite – having read the book – hopefully silently congratulate you and wish you well?! Of course a good review would be even better!
Someone recently asked me why I wrote a book about such a terrible disaster as the Aldgate train bombing. The fact is, I was affected – like so many other people – by the terrorist bombings in July, 2005 on three trains and a bus in our capital city. After all, I had, in the past, worked and regularly travelled by train to the City and West End of London, so could identify with being trapped in a train; the fear and pain caused on that dreadful day. The details of the actual explosion and aftermath are as accurate as my research via newspaper and TV reports revealed at the time and afterwards.
My story, however, covers much more than the explosion and terrible happenings and suffering on that indelible day itself, for I was very aware of the aftermath and repercussions which occurred and altered many people’s lives forever. The outpouring of grief for those killed, and sympathy for the injured, was felt, not only in London, but across the whole of the UK and further afield, for those involved and affected were of all ages; sexes, religions, cultures and from all walks of life.
Aware of the camaraderie which existed in World War 11 and the compassion and caring which many people shared, I was drawn to showing just how vital was the sympathy, love and interest of family and friends in the recovery of the protagonists.
As is the case with most fictitious ‘characters,’ I let my varied collection take me on, hopefully, entertaining/interesting journeys…but must emphasize that my main male protagonist Ian is a composite of a dear friend who sadly died prematurely in 2012. I have also used factual places where possible; and relayed the value and importance of humour.
We all have differing opinions on life and hurray for that; but I plump for ‘chance.’ I believe in optimism, hope, love and ‘humanity,’ which I have tried to convey in my story. Life is full of coincidences, ‘ifs’ and ‘buts,’ which you don’t need to read my book to appreciate, but it does reinforce those facts, as you will clearly see if you do! Enjoy.
Joy Lennick 