Writer returns to home town to launch first novel

A writer is returning to her home town of Darwen to launch her first novel

On Thursday, 8 May, Maggie Grimshaw will talk about her book and how it came about at Darwen library, from 6.30pm onwards.

Maggie Grimshaw grew up in Darwen, where her parents, Rendall and Mary Allen ran a successful jewellery business for many years. Rendall was also a well know figure in local politics. After attending St Joseph’s primary school in Darwen and Notre Dame Grammar School, Blackburn, Maggie trained as a secondary school teacher. She lived in Yorkshire for several years before moving to France with her family where they have lived ever since.

Maggie started writing as a hobby, and ‘Surf over Sand’ took her four years to write. its journey into print is itself a romantic tale. Her husband came across her manuscript and decided to have 50 copies printed as a surprise for her 60th birthday.

He sent these to friends and relatives, who gave such excellent reviews, even though the story was incomplete, that she was determined to finish it. Meanwhile one of the original copies fell into the hands of a publisher who was so impressed that they were keen to publish it.

In ‘Surf over Sand’, she tells the story of Lydia McIntyre, a downtrodden woman who is constantly criticised and vilified by her mother, utterly dominated by her husband and hasn’t seen her father for many years. She finally decides on a radical solution to her problems but her plans are thwarted when she witnesses a shocking incident. Throughout the ordeal which follows, Lydia discovers that despite the passage of time, she is able to depend on one unlikely person.

Admission £1. Tickets available from Darwen library. Call 01254 706021 or email darwen.library@blackburn.gov.uk.