Newbury author always said one day she would write a book ‘then inspiration hit me like a freight train’

EMMA Scarlett always said that one day she would write a book and at the age of 52, she finally did it.

Flittermouse is aimed at ‘young adults’.

After raising three boys, now 29, 27 and 13, and living in Hungerford for most of her life struggling as a single parent for a lot of it, she moved to Newbury around five years ago.

“A love for films and series involving vampires, wolves and witches fed my imagination and during lock-down a creative streak emerged in me and so it began...” Emma explains that the bones of Flittermouse were then formed.

“Then life returned to normal, I returned to work and my idea was shelved.

“But last year, inspiration hit me like a freight train, the words flowed and Flittermouse came to life.”

The plot goes like this: 12-year-old Pip is snatched from a caravan park by Sava, an old and unhinged vampire.

Six months later and now a vampire, Pip is sent to Sundown Academy to learn how to exist with other communities. Secrets are uncovered by Pip and his friends as they embark on a mission to discover the truth about Sava, the academy and its pupils.

Pip’s mother Anna cannot come to terms with her loss and returns to the area to search for her son. She soon discovers the truth, but can she accept that Pip is a vampire? Can she let him go?

Meanwhile, Gabriel, a young wolf, uncovers a magical secret that leads him to Sundown Academy, where he joins Pip and his friends for the biggest fight of their lives.

But can Gabriel forgive his father for lying to him about Emily, his birth mother?

A storm is brewing between the wolves, vampires and witches of Bishopswood, over the land that Sundown Academy stands on and Sava’s insane plan. Can Gabriel, Pip and their friends stop Sava and his secret weapon? And, who will pay with their lives?

Flittermouse was officially released on April 28, and has sold around 80 copies. A reprint has been ordered.

“Perhaps the older we get, the less self critical we are? I was always self conscious and lacked confidence, but embarked on my self publishing journey with dogged determination and guidance from Troubador Publishing, who walked me through each step.

“I would recommend writing a book to anyone who has a story inside of them, it isn’t as scary as you would think! It is, in fact, rather empowering.”

And, thanks to a dear friend, Flittermouse will be available from House of Cards stores in Thatcham and other towns when more stock becomes available and it is currently available to purchase from Amazon.

“My friends and family have been so supportive and it means the world.”

Flittermouse by EJ Scarlett is published by Troubador Publishing, retail price £8.99.

Available from Troubador’s bookshop website, Amazon, House of Cards stores, Thatcham, Caversham, Woodley and other locations.