About the Book
When a family lose everything what is left? The only thing they have now is each other. Steve is a good man, but the trials and tribulations of life are almost insurmountable. Without the help of kind strangers would they make it back from the brink? They travel together on a road that is paved with promises of a new start, but it is a path that is filled with pitfalls and hidden dangers. They find Sanctuary, finally safe, but all is not as it seems. His time here could change everything, but will it be for the better? With the scars of journey cutting deep the weary pair finally make it, however, after another wretched evening, the worst happens, they are more vulnerable than ever. The true dangers of the night expose themselves. What will befall Steve and his traveling companions, what fate awaits them?***Steve is homeless and has been for many years. He has navigated the streets with his wife Mandy but their adventure is just beginning. Tired of their nomadic lifestyle they have committed to each other to start again. This is their journey, the people they meet and the influence they have may save more than themselves.
About the Author
My name is D. R. Webb, I am an author living in the beautiful Torquay, in the southwest of the United Kingdom. I am an out and proud gay man living with my partner whom I met in July 2018. Being gay was something that, despite my families support and unconditional love, I struggled to accept about myself. This struggle led to a deterioration of my mental health and ended with issues with substance abuse. I withdrew from society, from my friends, and family. I isolated myself from everyone, so alone, in my darkest moments, I started to write my thoughts. Eventually, thoughts turned to stories, and stories turned to a screenplay. It was not only a coping technique but a path to salvation, writing saved my life. My partner is an avid reader, but it took me over a year to build up the courage to share any of my material. You see, I am dyslexic, I feared my work would be illegible or just downright bad. During the lockdown I worked as a key worker, I picked up lots of extra shifts to help keep people safe during the pandemic. This was obviously a stressful time, so, to escape, I started pawing through my old notebooks. I re-worked the material into a fascinating and engaging, gritty thriller. It was a full-circle moment as from that dark place, I emerged like a phoenix from the ashes. I am now an out and proud gay man, a passionate member of the LGBTQ+ community. 12 years sober and I am engaged to and living with my husband-to-be and our cat. I have finished the book that I never thought would be, despite my dyslexia and have decided to use that to help support people going through the same journey I had by donating a portion of the proceeds to charity.
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book What is it about?
It is a story about redemption. The title character Steve, and his wife, are destitute. Every day is a battle. After committing to each other, they begin their challenging journey. Together they can face the world, but, when they get separated, they have no other choice than to battle their own demons. The main theme focuses on the journey a person takes in their life. It is about dealing with the hand you are dealt. They are lost in every way, but together, the journey back from the brink seems a little more possible. The story tries to impart to the reader the power of understanding their own limits and knowing when to ask for help. How to find the strength to fight for yourself.
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, is it directed at any particular market?
I think the book will do well in the UK as it has that gritty “London” feel, a little seedy and hard-hitting. I do however feel it has a really broad appeal. I think an American audience would also identify with the characters, and enjoy the peek behind the curtain of some challenges people face on a daily basis.
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
I love books, even though I find it takes lots of concentration with my dyslexia. I love authors like Dean Koontz, Dan Brown, Martina Cole, Ian Rankin. I don’t really have a favourite book as I love investing myself in each and every story. The latest thing I read was a story on an app that unlocks chapter by chapter, “Billionaire Father Revealed” by Xin Mokeji. It was a really interesting read by a self-published author, simple English yet engaging and written in a way that keeps the page-turning.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
For me, writing the book was the easy part, even though it was very challenging. Publishing and launching the book was the difficult part. Luckily my partner is good with design so he developed my book cover and formatted the internal pages. He has also been amazing at getting it into mainstream bookstores like Waterstones. There are loads of resources online that can help you if you don’t know how to do something. With writing, I found it really helpful to write out a skeleton of the story and then build the body of work from there. read, edit repeat. You will find when writing your novel that you get too close to the work to be level headed as to whether it is good or not. Get a friend or family member to read it and give honest feedback. it really helps give you clarity.
Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?
I have many social media pages and, of course, there is more information available on my website. Please do get in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/RealDRWebb
https://www.instagram.com/realdrwebb/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21536500.D_R_Webb
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