At 66, Ian Lowe from Ince, Wigan, has done something many of us dream about but never quite get round to, he’s published his first novel.
Blast Chamber is a science mystery set in a small village, inspired by a trip to a secret nuclear bunker. Ian says writing it gave him a sense of purpose during a difficult year.
This is Ian’s story…. in his own words..
“At the age of 11 or so, I loved to write English essays at school and my writing just flowed out of me. At a school open day, my parents were told that I’d be a writer when I grew up. That has stuck with me all these years and I tried many times over the years to write what I hoped would be a novel but gave up as I was never satisfied with my content. Fast forward 55 years and here I am! Finally done it!
“I’ve lived in Ince, Wigan, all my life. The close-knit community I grew up in, where people know one another and histories run deep, has had a strong influence on the atmosphere and themes of my writing.
“Over the past year, I’ve found myself at something of a crossroads. I’m currently on long-term sick leave, my sick pay is due to end in March, and I’m weighing up retirement alongside the need to find part-time work to supplement my State Pension. It’s not quite the future I imagined, and there’s been a fair amount of uncertainty to navigate.
“One thing that has helped steady me during this period is writing. Last year I took a step I’d quietly put off for a long time and published my first novel, Blast Chamber, which is now available on Amazon. It’s a science-tinged mystery set in a seemingly quiet village where strange events begin to undermine rational explanations, and where what looks supernatural may turn out to be something far more human and dangerous. Some of the inspiration came from a trip to a secret nuclear bunker.
“I’m currently working on a second book, a collection of short stories with a central story running through it in the manner of those old portmanteau horror films. Writing it has given me a real sense of momentum and purpose at a time when many other things feel unresolved.
“Ideally, I’d love to make at least part of my living from writing in the future, though I’m realistic about the need to combine creativity with practical work, but I’m a novelist, wowee! It feels surreal to finally be able to say that.
“I also recommend a visit to the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker in Nantwich, where you’ll get a flavour of a little of the inspiration for my book. It’s also supposed to be haunted!”
Ince and proud, Ian is proof it’s never too late to follow your dreams, another brilliant Wiganer doing something amazing.
If you’ve got a story to share, I’d love to hear from you. I don’t need an essay, just:
Who you are.
Where you are.
What you do.
Why you do it.
When it started/when you do it.
Two photos as well please, in LANDSCAPE format, not portrait. This is very important.
Email: Hello@whatshappeninginWigan.co.uk
Let’s make this a site full of how amazing Wigan is. Thank you, Claire x
