Mum uses time in lockdown to pen debut novel after losing job in travel industry

Pre-pandemic, Ellie White would often make notes on her phone of stories which she would think of while making the commute on the Metro. But she never thought anything more of the characters she’d created until losing her job at the end of the first Lockdown gave her the time to commit her stories to paper. "I’ve always had an imagination and have always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to write a book, but I’m 31 this year and thought I was maybe too old,” explained the mum-of-two from Houghton. Ellie, who now works in customer service, said: “A couple of years ago I started jotting down the stories I had in my head and before I knew it I had seven manuscripts. They were the outline for seven different books and, with Lockdown and having more time, I went with the most complete one to create my first book.” The result is novel Love & London which tells the story of Maggie who, after being widowed eight years earlier in her early 20s, is finally ready to return to the dating scene. Ellie, who is mum to Oliver, two, and Hallie, one, said: "I decided I wanted to do something for myself and I finally had time. My husband was at home too, so it meant I had help with the kids. “I used to sit on the Metro on the way to work and jot down stories in the notes on my phone. I never realised that wasn’t something everyone does. If it wasn’t for Lockdown I don’t think I would have ever done anything with those stories.” Ellie added: “Although this is an easy going, uplifting rom-com full of love and laughter, we also follow Maggie’s journey of grief and acceptance after losing her husband unexpectedly at a young age which was inspired by my own experiences of losing a family member suddenly two years ago.” ::Love & London will be available to purchase from April 2, 2021 via Amazon on e-book (£2.99) and paperback (£7.99). This title will also be available for free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.