 The Black Country's way of talking is down to earth and straight to the point - much like Anthony Cartwright's novel. The characters springing off the page are full of life and dreams to escape the humdrum world they find themselves in. There have been tragedies but also victories for individuals - hope coming from heartache. The tangled web started life in notebooks crammed with hand-written passages and helped Anthony clarify his thoughts. "It was then a case of getting it all on to a PC in some sort of order. It takes time, but is the only way I feel I can do it," he said. Anthony left his home town of Dudley, where his family still live, to study English and American literature at UEA. Five years later in 1998 he trained as an English teacher and now works at a London school. In between there were stints working in factories, pubs and warehouses plus a session in a meat-packing plant which helped him bring to life the early chapters of the book. "It helps to have these experiences and although it could be done through research, it does aid writing," said Anthony, who spends school holidays working intensively on his work. The passages of regional dialect are also a rich part of the book and Anthony admits he was keen to ensure that all readers could understand what was being written. "It is a dialect that I have grown up with and I wanted it to feel and sound right," says Anthony, now 31, who attended the town's Castle High School. He added: "There are some people who feel that by calling it a regional novel that this is some way derogatory but I think it a compliment.What I set out to do - write a book about the Black Country." Critics have already heaped accolades on the book which was first published by Tindal Street Press in 2004. It won the Betty Trask Award 2004 and has been shortlisted for other accolades including The James Tait Black Memorial Prize 2005. "I didn't win but to be on the shortlist was an honour," said Anthony, who admitted to reading critics' reviews. "Writing is a very isolated activity but it has a very public side. I would find it mortifying if nobody liked it." Anthony, who although living close to Arsenal's home ground is still a keen Villa supporter, added: "Basically looking back the book is as much about how we deal with loss and recall memories." He is now close to completing the first draft of his second novel and hoping Tindal Street Press based at The Custard Factory in Birmingham, will be able to offer him more support.
 "I am hoping they will be interested. I found working with them was very helpful and they really do deserve their success." In the meantime success for Anthony is difficult to clarify. "There is always a need to get the balance right in life and a chance to continue my writing." Words in any dialect will keep driving Anthony on to make his mark on the world of literature. The Afterglow published by Tindal Street Press is available, rrp £7.99. www.tindalstreet.co.uk
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