Caldicot police sergeant nets publishing deal (From South Wales Argus)

Caldicot police sergeant nets publishing deal

 A SERVING police sergeant has signed a five-book deal to write a children’s fantasy series.

FANTASTIC: Richard Pitman, 31, from Caldicot, who has won a five-book deal, the first one of which, Jimmy Threepwood and the Vale of Darkness, will be published in October

Rich Pitman, of Caldicot, is preparing for the release of his first book entitled ‘Jimmy Threepwood and the Vale of Darkness’ in October after winning a publishing deal with Plymouth-based company Ghostly Publishing.

The former Hartridge High Pupil and qualified teacher wrote the first instalment a year ago in his spare time.

The 31 year-old who works for Gloucestershire Police created a character called Jimmy Threepwood - an eleven-year-old boy who is brought up unloved and uncared for after his mother Margaret Threepwood fell ill and made a deal with the Gatekeeper to live if her Jimmy was handed to him on his eleventh birthday when his destiny would be unveiled to him.

Unusual things begin to happen to Jimmy that will change his life forever.

He said: "It all happened very quickly. I’ve always enjoyed writing as a hobby but my family were surprised when they read a draft copy."

"I’m keen to encourage children in reading and writing and would like to visit schools in the Newport area to talk about creative writing."

The book is available to pre-order on Amazon and in Waterstones and Smiths for £7.99 ahead of its release on October 18.