A former teacher writing his way to recovery through a stroke has had his first book published.
Terence Jenkins, 68, from Crystal Palace, spent his working years as a teacher. However, at the age of 54, Mr Jenkins was forced to take early retirement after a debilitating stroke.
His book of short stories called Return has just been published.
Mr Jenkins said: “I think I would have always started to write, but having a stroke meant that I had long empty days ahead of me to fill. I didn’t want to fester, I wanted to use my brain.
“Writing is a lonely occupation, being stuck in the attic was one of the reasons why I started to take creative writing classes.”
In November 1999, Mr Jenkins had his story Change at a Stroke published in a magazine. The short article told of how a stroke forced him to think about the priorities in his life.
He said: “I now lead London walks and have always been interested in history and this inspires my writing. I also travel a lot. In my story Beowulf, the school I describe is one which I taught at.”
In 2005, encouraged by a friend, Mr Jenkins entered the Chapter One Promotion Short Story Competition and was one of the prize winners.
The ex-teacher, whose favourite book is Wuthering Heights, writes every day, but finishing his debut book Return meant having to be disciplined.
“I write in the morning after a cup of tea. I don’t write in the afternoon. I’m always asked if I’ll write a novel, but I prefer bite-sized chunks, I’m more of a sprinter than a long distance runner.”
Return can be purchased in local book shops and copies can be picked up in both Crystal Palace and the central Croydon library.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here