Martyn Croft from Sandilands took up writing in December last year after retiring to the area from Kent and buying a computer. His first book,
entitled A Fantastic Journey is now available to buy.

Martyn said: "It's an adventure story about kids but as it's set in the past it
really appeals to adults who enjoy early 1960s nostalgia."

Ex mathematics teacher Martyn admits some of the characteristics of Sutton on Sea are present in the fictional town Fenton-on-Sea, described in the book as 'A sleepy East Anglian seaside town where nothing ever happens'.

Crediting his new surroundings for providing much of the inspiration for the novel, he added: "When I first landed in Sutton-on-Sea, it reminded me so much of a 1960's seaside town, much to my satisfaction and certainly not as a criticism of such a wonderful area!"

Martin offered advice for other aspiring authors: "You have to set yourself a target of an amount of words to write each day and stick to that. I aimed for 1500 words and generally write as I think so the process is more efficient."

On paying for the book to be published himself, Martyn said: "I would recommend it to anyone with a creative streak, I don't expect to make money out of it, but that is not why I did it – I just enjoy writing."

The author revealed he has already completed a sequel to the book and is currently working on a third in the trilogy.


Martyn's book is available online through Amazon.co.uk and www.arimapublishing.co.uk priced £9.50