Writer Nick Oldham
BLACKPOOL Victoria Hospital played host to a well-known crime novelist last week as part of a special scheme.
Nick Oldham visited the hospital as part of a literacy event Reading Ahead, which aims to get more adults to enjoy reading.
Nick has written a number of books including Nightmare City, Bad Blood and the screenplay for the film Vendetta starring Danny Dyer.
Originally from Belthorn, near Blackburn, Nick often worked in Blackpool during his former 30 year career in the police and the resort has been the backdrop to many of Nick’s thrillers.
He said: “Blackpool is a brilliant place to set a thriller – all human life can be found here.’’
Nick had some advice to perspective writers: “Don’t be frightened to have a go, don’t be scared,’’ he said.
“I always liken writing to golf. All that matters is getting the ball in the hole – it doesn’t matter how you do it.
“If your grammar or spelling isn’t perfect, it’s not that important; it can be checked at a later stage. Just write and get the story told. Trust yourself. Writing a book is a marathon.”
Nick started writing as he has always loved the English Language and loved reading and was therefore a great choice to talk at the launch of this year’s Reading Ahead scheme.
The initiative has been brought to the Trust by Library Services Manager, Debra Thornton and UnionLearn Representatives Jane Eyre and Bev Herring who promote literacy to the workforce.
Debra said: “We were very grateful to Nick for coming to talk to us about his books and I think he enjoyed it too as he had the opportunity to talk to some of his most ardent fans and hear how much they love his books.
“I think the appeal of Nick’s books is that they are mostly set in Lancashire and we can relate to the streets, towns and locations in which much of the action takes place.
“The Reading Ahead Challenge is a great way for people to start reading more – or get back into reading – and we have a good selection of fiction books here in the library that are available for all staff to borrow.”
PICTURE CAPTION: Writer Nick Oldham