How dog walks on the moors inspired Annabel

HOLMFIRTH author Annabel Pitcher has always drawn upon her surroundings as inspiration for her award-winning novels.

The former English teacher taught in her community before giving up the profession to become a full-time writer.

Walking around the moors with her dog is her favourite way to explore a new writing idea.

And it’s how the idea for her latest novel The Last Days of Archie Maxwell was born.

The story turns the traditional teen coming-out narrative on its head, reversing the roles of father and son in a fresh, candid tale of modern family life.

It’s full of tenderness and spirit, showcasing Annabel’s distinctive, punchy and entirely true-to-life voice.

The writer, who is married with two young sons, has had a hugely successful few years.

She graduated from Oxford University with a degree in English Literature and ambition to be a children’s author.

Annabel enjoyed a variety of jobs before deciding to travel the world and focus on writing.

She gave up her job teaching English at Wakefield Girls High School on the strength of her first advance from the publishers.

Her first book, My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, won the Branford Boase and a Betty Trask Award in 2012.

Ketchup Clouds won the 2014 Waterstones Children’s Prize and her work has been shortlisted for numerous prestigious awards.

These include the 2012 CILIP Carnegie Medal, Dylan Thomas Prize, the Galaxy British Book Award and the Red House Children’s Book Award.

The Last Days of Archie Maxwell is a courageous and compassionate story that tackles homophobic bullying, suicide, grief and guilt, with a cast of oh-so-real characters and plenty of Annabel’s trademark humour.

It’s a joyous celebration of love of all kinds and a testament to the hardships we may face in being true to ourselves, in growing up, and in the pressures placed on teens – and boys in particular, to be and act a certain way.

The story is published in a novella format, perfect for readers who love short stories or those with reading difficulties.

The Last Days of Archie Maxwell is published by Barrington Stoke and will be out on November 2.

It is available in paperback for £7.99.