Inspiration
My debut novel, ‘Time to Fly’ is a thought provoking novel, based on a multi-million pound win and the dilemmas that accompany such a win. The idea came as I pondered whether to buy a midweek ticket for a rollover as well as my usual Saturday one and I then contemplated what I would do with the money if I actually won. The results would be life-changing...

Dilemma!

It’s a question many of us may consider: what would we spend the money on, would we be happy with the publicity and, if so, what impact would it have on our life? If we chose to keep our win a secret, is that achievable?

First, I imagined all the big new things I would buy, how I would help family, friends and others less fortunate.

But then I considered the potential pitfalls and dreaded drawbacks of winning big. For example, would all family and friends expect a share, what is an appropriate amount to give, would they want more, and would it actually solve others’ problems? If you were publicised, would both existing and new friends behave differently towards you, what would constant media coverage mean each day, and could you even become a potential kidnap target? And perhaps more importantly, would a fortune change you and your relationships, especially if you stayed anonymous and felt really isolated, guilty and unable to spend or share?

Unique Tale

When I finished the book, I was surprised to discover that  there are very few fictional takes about this subject. I believe the dilemmas posed in my book will resonate with many, perhaps sparking an interesting debate.

Who is the book based upon?

When I tell people about the book, they ask if it is based on someone I know or had I actually won the lottery? Well, if I had, I would want to maintain my anonymity and secretly help others, so obviously wouldn’t confess, now would I?