Christmas story was no curse for Fife author

Nicholas Murray, who grew up in Leven, had his debut novel ‘The Stone Curse’ released on St Andrew’s Day and says it stemmed from an idea he had for an unusual gift for two younger members of his family.

The 30-year-old, who studied Media at Fife College in Kirkcaldy and Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh where he is now based, said: “The book actually began as a short story. I didn’t sit down to write a novel, it was to write a story for my niece and cousin. “They’re P1 and P2 age now but they were two and three when I first started writing it for them as a little Christmas present, which I thought was more quirky than just a toy.

“So I just started writing one day then after a few thousand words I realised was quickly past a short story and I had a novel.”

The book is a fantasy adventure aimed at the 8-12 year old bracket, but Nicholas says it will appeal to all fans of the genre.

“It’s more leaning towards Tolkein than JK Rowling. Basically I wanted to write the kind of book I would have liked when I was a kid.

“The Hobbit is my favourite book and that’s what I had in mind. To have a light-hearted whimsical feel to it combined with a classic adventure story.”

Nicholas struck a deal with Austin Macauley Publishers who released the book through Amazon and Waterstones online, and says he’s already began work on the sequel.

To find out more or to buy ‘The Stone Curse’ visit Nicholas’ website www.fibscribbler.com.