 When Jeff Phelps finds time to daydream he imagines what it would be like to give up his day job. By day he is an architect at Wolverhampton City Council, helping other people realise their dream homes. But in his leisure time writing is Jeff's passion and, after many years of dreaming, his first book Painter Man has been published by Tindal Street Press. It charts the life of an artist, Malcolm, who is left alone with his work when his wife leaves him taking their two children away from the family home. "I have always been writing, probably since about 1980 and this is the third book I have done but this is the first to have found a publisher," admitted Jeff, who lives in Bridgnorth with wife Maddy. There have been successes along the way and Jeff has a string of competition credits including first prize in 1991 in the Mail on Sunday challenge to write the opening words of a novel. His poems have been widely published and short stories have earned praise but the novel has always seemed to be the stumbling block. Now Jeff has met the challenge and is well-pleased with the finished product. "I have a lot to thank Tindal Street for getting this far. They have been very supportive. I suppose they did take a bit of a risk with me but I hope it paid off. I was pleased with the idea," says Jeff. The challenge is that once the idea has been conceived that the idea has to be transformed into a novel. "Tindal street are very good at giving this support. I think I would probably have stopped writing myself but they gave me support and criticism, pointing out what didn't work so well and what needed to be rewritten. It is a question of looking at the work with new eyes." Tindal Street Press have organised events to launch the book but Jeff is undaunted about meeting his public. "I feel that through the process that everything that I could have done has been done," he says. "I have gone through the pain barrier. I would be disappointed if people started sleighting it but that's the risk. When you are writing a book, which is such a long process, you are frightened that people might find the idea boring. You just don't know. Hopefully that will not be the case." During the years Jeff has been involved with writers' groups and attended classes that have given him a chance to revise his work after listening to other's comments. "You might write something and think it is good but then people might say they don't understand it. You start to get a feel for what works and what doesn't," he says. Now work is underway on a second book that is likely to focus on childhood - Tindal Street Press will have first refusal but there is no deadline to meet. "With the rewrites I had to work to deadlines and really didn't mind that, these things are helpful. Next time I will be able to show it to Tindal Street and they may want it or I might not like the terms. We will have to see. I am grateful for their support and finally got the chance."
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And, although Jeff might be nervous about the reviews for Painter Man, he is philosophical. "If I had to write a review (of the book) I would like to think readers got an idea of what it was like to live in the Black Country. I am pleased with that and the way I have handled the relationships in families. I hope people think it is a good reflection on how families face difficulties. If readers like these threads then I think I would be pleased." And he adds: "It's done now." Possibly an understatement for a writer who has spent more than 25 years dreaming about the day when his talent and determination finally paid off. Readers can buy Painter Man, rrp £7.99 at the special price of £6.99, including postage and packaging, by posting a cheque to Jeff Phelps Select Special Offer,Tindal Street Press, 217 Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham B9 4AA or by visiting www.tindalstreet.co.uk * Tell us what you think about Painter Man or another book which has captured your imagination. At the Editor's discretion we will be publishing a selection of comments about our chosen titles on the end of the features in this section. So tell the world what you think about this book - and if you disagree with what anyone else has said send us a response! Just use the box on this page. | 
