Having retired from my non-literary career a few years ago, I am now free to pursue my true love - writing fiction. My debut novel, 'Songs of Expectation', is published on 28th April 2026. It is inspired by actual events that played out over a period of seventy years, when 100,000 orphan and destitute children were sent to Canada to work, mostly as agricultural labourers or domestic servants. The vast majority never came home, and over 10% of Canada's population is said to be descended from them. They are known as the 'British Home Children', and my aim is to bring these lost voices to life. I have a passion to tell this story as my father was himself a 'Home Child'. I can also call on my own experience of losing parents as a child and being uprooted because of it; to a degree, it is my story too. I am an experienced public speaker - public/conference preferences were part of my role in a previous working life. As well as promoting my novel in the usual ways, I am also delivering talks to local community groups (e.g. schools, WI meetings, Probus Clubs, Local History Societies) on the general topic of the 'British Home Children', looking to raise awareness of this rather shameful part of our social history. I am happy to consider any speaking engagements or media requests around this subject. These talks could also be adapted for literary festivals - setting my novel in the context of actual events - and I would be pleased to consider any such requests. I would also consider collaborations with anyone with a similar interest in this subject. I have a lot of experience as an actor going back 50 years (mostly amateur, but some film/TV extra work). This helps me to bring a book to life in readings. Indeed, the launch event for 'Songs of Expectation' includes several dramatised readings from the novel, involving a cast of local actors to help me. More background about me and the 'British Home Children', including the story of my father's remarkable life, can be found on my website. The novel is available via my website or from any bookshop or online. There is an E-book version from all the usual online sources. As regards the future, once all the publication activity has passed, I plan to start on a follow-up to 'Songs of Expectation' - there are still many avenues to pursue with the story. I also have several ideas for novels that are completely unconnected with the 'British Home Children'. I hope to enjoy a long and creative retirement.