The Residents of Romiley Road is out...finally!

It feels like forever since I uploaded the book onto the publishing websites but the day has finally come and the book is available to buy in paperback and ebook.

The journey has been a bumpy one. The first stages of researching and discovering felt like speeding down a smooth hill. Every new find pushed me on to dig deeper and the immersion into Victorian Cheshire was fascinating. I hadn't written anything aside from emails since university so beginning to turn those findings into something that people would like to read was a challenge. There were many rewrites and edits.

Then in December I caught a virus that knocked me for six. No amount of bedrest or paracetamol helped and by January I was really struggling to breathe. I saw the GP, was sent for x-rays and it was confirmed that I had pneumonia. My breathing deteriorated further and I was admitted to hospital "for a few days". I spent a total of 7 weeks in hospital (with a few breaks at home). CT scans, x-rays, sputum samples...the doctors still aren't sure why I have been so unwell. Every time I catch a cold my lungs deteriorate. I already suffer from severe bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disease, so this has made life very hard.

After so long away from the project I considered giving up. I was tired and couldn't face all of the steps I would need to take in order to publish. Then a friend encouraged me to keep going. The easy smooth downhill had been replaced by a rocky ascent with some vertical sections but I kept plugging away. My wonderful husband drew me the gorgeous thrush on the cover and the gothic Hatherlow church.

So now the work is done and I can hold the book in my hands, it all feels slightly surreal.

Yesterday I released a copy into the world at Romiley Train Station (in the bookcase in the waiting room next to the new café). I put my details inside so hopefully whoever finds the book will pass it on and I will have emails from people who might never have heard of it. I'd love for my little book to make it to another country!

If you would like to buy a copy there are a few ways to do so:

Amazon - you can buy the paperback or ebook from there

Other online bookshops - Some have both the paperback and ebook, others one or the other. Some will say not in stock but you can still order from them

Local physical bookshops - Serenity Booksellers in Romiley will be stocking some copies but you can ask at any bookshop and they should be able to order a copy within a few days

Library - As far as I'm aware none of the libraries currently stock the book but if you request it they may order it in. I would love for my book to be stocked in a library!

I might soon be adding a direct link on the website too.

Finally, I need to say a big thank you to all of the lovely people who have supported me throughout the process. Whether by encouraging me, showing an interest, watching my videos, reading my blogs, handing out flyers or putting up posters. And indeed the doctors, nurses and physios who have kept me going this year from Wythenshawe Hospital (and all the staff at Pearce Ward where I completely outstayed my welcome!).