A writer and broadcaster who recently moved to Bristol from London has had his debut novel published.

Luke Hollands (right) credits his move to the South West for finally seeing the publication of his children’s novel, Peregrine Harker and the Black Death.

“Living in the capital is a pricey business, I was holding down two jobs and had hardly any time to write. It had always been my life-long dream to become a published author, but I just wasn’t inspired to put pen to paper in London.

“That all changed when I took a job as a TV researcher in Bristol. I’d never been to the city before, but when I arrived it was love at first sight.

“After moving to Clifton I was able to walk to work for the first time, have a flat by myself for the first time, and really get to grips with writing my book for the first time.

“The big thing that helped me was the arts and culture scene in Bristol. It’s such a vibrant creative place you can’t help but be inspired to get involved. If I hadn’t moved here, my novel would still be an idea in my head, rather than something that’s now being sold to the public.”

Peregrine Harker and the Black Death, aimed at 10- to 13-year-olds, tells the tale of a young journalist called Peregrine Harker who stumbles across a gruesome murder.

The chance encounter sparks a chain of events that drag him on a journey through a world of spluttering gas lamps, thick fog, deadly secrets and dastardly villains.

Peregrine Harker and the Black Death is published by Sparkling Books.

Visit www.lukehollands.com for more information.