Busy mum has write stuff with new novel
Claire delighted as readers resonate with main character Meredith
An author has celebrated the launch of her debut novel, centred around a reclusive protagonist who hasn’t left her house in 1214 days.
Claire Alexander, of Troon, began writing Meredith, alone six months before the pandemic hit the UK, with her main character Meredith experiencing striking similarities to the world unfolding around Claire in 2020.
The moving story focuses on Meredith’s battle to overcome her issues, make peace with her painful past, and ultimately take brave steps to move forward with her life.
And as Meredith explored the four walls around her, finding ways to occupy her time, author Claire soon found herself stepping into her character’s shoes.
Claire said: “Meredith definitely came before Covid. It was really bizarre because for months I’d been working on this character and writing about a woman who never left her house, who had to find ways to fill her time, occupy her mind and stay connected to people.
Meredith, alone navigates the themes of loneliness and finding connection, which Claire says “lots of people can relate to” and added: “Even if we do see lots of other people and we’re out in the world, or you might live in a busy household but still be feeling really lonely, and that’s a mental health thing. I just wanted to explore those themes and the idea of connection and how we
connect to people.”
Between being a busy mum-of-three and working as a freelance writer, Claire managed to squeeze in time to work on her book, including in the gallery at Ayr’s Citadel Leisure Centre, while her eldest swam, or in the carpark.
Claire held an official book launch in Waterstones on Argyle Street before holding an event closer to home at giftshop The Herbary in Troon.
She praised owner Claire O’Donnell for pulling out all the stops to make the night a success, including having a replica of her book made out of cake.
She added:“The feedback from the book has been wonderful. Lots of people have contacted me just to tell me how much they’ve connected with the story and how much Meredith has resonated with them. That’s what I think every author wants- you want to know that your story has touched them.”