Wiganer uses lockdown spare time to become children's author

Simon Rudd, from Hindley, decided to work on writing a story for youngsters back in spring after his hours at work as a security guard for Bolton Council were reduced due to coronavirus measures.
Simon Rudd with his children's booksSimon Rudd with his children's books
Simon Rudd with his children's books

He came up with Santa’s Odd Socks, a colourful festive tale about how Father Christmas and his elves started working together and why stockings are hung up on fireplaces on Christmas Eve each year.

Simon received a number of offers to publish the book but decided, after creating his own illustrations, to go with Amazon’s service for authors as it meant the story would be available much more quickly.

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He has now created a follow-up book, again based on Santa, and says writing for young children has reignited his passion for the written word.

His efforts have even secured him royalty among his growing fanbase.

Simon, 37, said: “I had a little bit of spare time on my hands so I decided that for fun I would write a children’s story.

“I got a lot of contracts and letters back from publishers which was quite nice but I decided I wanted to do it from start to finish and drew my own illustrations.

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“It’s for young readers but some parents would probably want to read the story to their children.”

Santa’s Odd Socks tells of how the title character cannot find the items of clothing also mentioned on the book’s front cover when he washes

them.

Trying to figure out what is going on he stays awake one night and is astonished to see tiny creatures appearing and putting his socks to all sorts of ingenious uses.

Eventually a bargain is struck which sees the elves take on a role putting their imaginations to work to help Santa each December in return for a few socks being left out.

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As the book was created during the Covid-19 pandemic Simon has also paid key workers on the front line a tribute by including a number of rainbows, which were the symbol of thanking the NHS in lockdown, among the illustrations.

He has enjoyed positive reviews for the book and even gained a celebrity endorsement when Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, asked if she could read the book on her story show Fergie and Friends.

He is also donating a number of copies to Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh (WWL) NHS Foundation Trust for its children’s wards.

Simon has now penned a second book, called Santa’s Pup Patches, and says he has been mainly influenced by the children’s classics by authors such as Roald Dahl and Dr Seuss which he loved when young.

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He hopes his tale of becoming an author will inspire other people to give ambitions they might have a go.

He said: “When I became an adult I only read on holiday on the beach.

“This has definitely reawakened my love of reading. I’ve got myself a really enjoyable hobby here.

“I’ve had people messaging me saying they’ve always wanted to write children’s books and asking for advice.

“It just goes to show what can come out of having a little bit of extra time and what you can achieve.”

Santa’s Odd Socks, by Simon Rudd, is available now through Amazon.

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