First novel goes for the jugular
A BENEFIT swindling vampire slayer is the unlikely hero of the debut novel by a Great Yarmouth born author.While some authors struggle for years to get in print, Mark Jackman's first book The Great Right Hope has just been published.
A BENEFIT swindling vampire slayer is the unlikely hero of the debut novel by a Great Yarmouth born author.
While some authors struggle for years to get in print, Mark Jackman's first book The Great Right Hope has just been published.
Mark, 28, who now lives in Loughborough, decided to give writing a go after realising he was playing too many computer games.
He is already working on the second in what is set to be a series of three books featuring Sid Tillsley, an overweight alcoholic who can kill vampires with a single punch.
Research scientist Mark who attended Lynn Grove High School and East Norfolk Sixth Form College found inspiration from what he describes as his “messed-up imagination.”
He said: “Everyone says that they want to write a book, and to be honest, it is easy once you get into it. I hadn't written anything creative since school and this is my first attempt.
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“I have always been a fan of the anti-hero and characters like Sid really inspire me. Writing a book had not been a long term ambition. I really think its something anybody can do. You just need a bit of imagination and patience.
“Don't get caught up with all the technicalities and just go for it. Rubbish like commas can come later. If you don't have fun, you'll never see it through.”
The comedy novel has echoes of the hit movie Shaun of the Dead, according to Mark, who is already working on the sequel.
Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer's Research Trust and Zoe's Place, a baby hospice in Middlesbrough.
The Great Right Hope is available through LL-Publications via Mark's website www.mark-jackman.com
