Tag: Writers

When 29-year-old Taunton-based Erin Goodleigh learns that an old boyfriend is a successful writer in London, she is astonished. Back in sixth-form, when they co-wrote the school play, she practically carried the lazy worm. So how did he do it and – more importantly – is it too late for her to fulfil her side of the vow they made to become successful writers?

Follow Erin’s adventures in London – with old university friend Trish, two-faced ex-boyfriend Ian and motorcycle messenger-writer Paul – as she pursues her dream armed only with hope, determination and a second-hand Amstrad computer.

Amazon UK

Amazon

‘London Calling’ manages to be both amusing and insightful with enough nineties nostalgia to make it interesting. Erin is a writer but she works as a ‘junior executive’ in her parents’ packaging company in the south west of England. She grew up in Hammersmith in the seventies and wants to become writer for BBC radio, moving back to London is the only way.

The weekly timetable for non commissioned writers serves to emphasise how difficult it is to follow your dream in the creative world. Money is tight and disappointment plentiful but sticking at it, is the only way to realise your chance of becoming a commissioned writer.

 Those who are not discouraged with their numerous failures form a club of sorts and the team spirit is an important theme of this story.

The authenticity of the plot makes it a little repetitive at times but Erin is a strong, likeable character and you follow her rejections and small wins avidly. There is an interesting romantic dynamic between Erin and fellow non commissioned writer Paul, which adds to her roller-coaster life.

The historic influences are strong and make you realise how much has changed in the last twenty years. Does anybody remember the ‘Amstrad’ computer?

‘London Calling’ is a light hearted tale of ambition and stamina with lots of humour and a lovely thread of romance.

 I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve written extensively for TV and radio in the UK and I’m currently developing a TV sitcom (optioned by NBC-Universal).

I love reading heart-warming, humorous novels about life’s little ups and downs, so it’s hardly a shock that I’ve started writing them myself. In my stories, I look to bring the feel-good factor (laughter and, perhaps, a few tears) to romance and relationships, changing careers, moving home, family upheaval, growing up, and a whole host of other bumps in the road.