PRESS RELEASE An elderly Herefordshire man is celebrating after having his first book published. Stephen Constance was born and brought up in Ross-on-Wye and has spent most of his life tuning pianos and playing the trombone in jazz bands. “My main ambition in life, to be a creative writer, was not encouraged by my family - music was all - and it is only old age and a more retired existence that has persuaded me to seek publication.” We Cry To Thee, published by Tim Saunders Publications, is about life in the 1950s in the picturesque village of Waterton from the perspective of both children and adults. A number of happenings disturb the tranquil pastoral scene. Suicide, a fatal car accident and a child contracting polio all indicate that something supernatural is affecting the community and the discovery of a black altar in the woods does nothing to allay this impression. Set against a background of a village school, the broad dialect of the children is both humorous and poignant and the narrative contains plenty of contrastingly different characters like Bob Allen, a somewhat dissolute but compassionate teacher. Then there’s the man-eating Lizzie Johnson... The culmination is horrific. Publisher Tim Saunders says, “I particularly enjoy Stephen’s writing because he is passionate about the vocabulary he uses and, like a master, he knows when to use it to great effect, achieving the best possible outcome and leaving the reader wanting more. His is a labour of love and a great skill. Something lacking in even some established authors. In my opinion We Cry to Thee is a little masterpiece. Stephen transports the reader back in time making them feel they are there mixing with the rich variety of characters. I particularly like the interaction between Emily Ward and Bob Allen; it shows the caring side of a shopkeeper towards a valued customer.” Stephen adds: “Until now I have not submitted my manuscripts for fear of rejection. I hope this initial sample of my work will induce in readers a desire for more.” Stephen now lives in Hereford, still only a stone’s throw from Wordsworth’s ‘sylvan wye’, and that circumstance alone is enough to inspire him to continue with his literary efforts. We Cry to Thee is available online and in all good bookshops. Stephen is keen to see his book in local bookshops.
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