A happy ending for Rosemary

Jul 21 2009 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

WRITING is child’s play for creative mum Rosemary Gemmell.

She laments the passing of the traditional kids’ party and decided to put all her frustrations down on paper.

Now Rosemary, who is a member of the Erskine Writers Group, is thrilled after her short story was accepted for inclusion in a new anthology of children’s tales.

Her tale – Zandor’s Surprise – is one of 15 that have been published in the book, which is called A Suitcase Full of Stories.

Rosemary, 54, told the Paisley Daily Express: “I answered an advertisement in a writing magazine which was looking for contributions for a new children’s book.

“The guidelines included writing specifically for children aged from seven to 11 and the publisher particularly asked for stories with a sense of adventure and history.

“I had been thinking of how children don’t really have parties any more and decided to base it on a lad called Zandor from the planet Re-ath.

“Between impressing a girl-dron, sorting out a bully and having fun with his two friends, Zandor has the kind of party no-one has ever seen on Re-ath.”

The book is selling well but there’s no chance of Rosemary resting on her laurels.

She said: “I was delighted when my story was accepted for this new book.

“It’s the second one I’ve had published and it has given me the confidence to turn to writing full-time.

“I was working as a tutor in adult literacy but decided to take time out in an effort to try to make it as a published novelist.”

Rosemary, from Langbank, has already penned three novels – two written for children and the other for adults – and is hoping to see them in print.

She said: “It’s a bit of a waiting game. I’m hoping a publisher will think the adult novel is good enough to take up the option on it, although another publisher is interested in one of my children’s novels.

“It’s an exciting time but I’m keeping busy and am pressing ahead with other projects.”

She added: “Judging has helped me learn new tricks through reading some wonderful material. Entering competitions also helps with the thorny topic of deadlines.

“It’s a great job and I really am enjoying it. It’s a big step but one I hope will pay dividends when I finally get that novel published.”

l A Suitcase Full of Stories, is published by Bridge House and is priced £6.99. It is available to buy online at www.bridgehouse publishing.com