A LOCAL author who changed her career from teaching to writing is set to launch her debut novel.

Paula Hillman, from Barrow, walked away from her all-consuming 32 year long career in teaching to venture into the world of creative writing. 

She has collected a Master's degree in Creative Writing from Lancaster University and is now ready to launch her debut novel Seaview House, set on Walney island. 

The Mail: Paula Jill Hillman in Walney looking towards Walney Island from The Dock Museum.Paula Jill Hillman in Walney looking towards Walney Island from The Dock Museum. (Image: Paula Jill Hillman.)

Paula said: "I've spent a lot of time on Walney as a teenager and the landscapes there are unbelievable. 

"Seaview House has got two timelines so it has got present day but it also flashes back to 1976 when the main character in the story was growing up on Walney.

"Anybody who grew up on Walney in the 70s and early 80s will recognise what is going on. It will definitely appeal to local people but I'm hoping it will appeal to a wider audience."

The book, which is available for pre-order, has already had a lot of interest from local people from Walney and Barrow.
The Mail: Seaview House paperback version.Seaview House paperback version. (Image: Paula Jill Hillman)

"I've had a lot of good rankings already," said Paula.

She added: "I want it to appeal to people that like thrillers, mysteries and character-led plots.

"If somebody from down-south read it I'd love them to think: 'I'd love to look at that setting and I'd like to go to that place because despite the story being really good the setting has really bought me in'."

Paula confessed how difficult it was to get a publisher.

"I didn't realise the level of rejections and level of hardwork to publish a book was," she said.

 

The Mail: Seaview House Kindle version. Seaview House Kindle version. (Image: Paula Jill Hillman.)

"The world of digital publishing is much bigger than I have ever imagined and my publisher Bloodhound Books publishes digitally first.

"The paperback version will be coming a week before the book is launched."

Currently the book is only available for pre-order on Kindle.

Seaview House will be released on February 10.

The place for the official book launching is yet to be announced however Paula hopes to do it at The Dock Musem in Barrow. 

For more information visit: paulahillmanauthor.co.uk