THOUSANDS of rejection letters later a new children’s author has emerged in Liverpool and cites the Capital of Culture year as her inspiration.
Jan Lawton, 48, from Broad Green has had her dream of seeing her book published realised after seven years of trying to get a publisher.
She said: “I had the idea of the book for years but didn’t know how to get started.
“When it was announced that Liverpool was going to be Capital of Culture it was the push I needed to try and get published.
“I sent out thousands of letters but was rejected by everyone. In March last year my break came and now my book is in the shops. It is a dream come true. I didn’t want to be a secretary forever.
“My book is about a small bird who lives in the city and is afraid of heights.
“His name is Pip. The title of my book is Pip, Pip Hooray!
“He overcomes adversity and becomes a hero and that is the message I want to come across to the children.
“Also Liverpool is a city that has been through a lot of adversity but in spite of this the city is now European Capital of Culture. My book shows that nothing is impossible and fears can be overcome.�
Jan added: “This is my first published book and I didn't ever think I would be capable of doing something like this therefore, like Pip, I tried and was successful, but first had to conquer my feelings of self doubt.�
To celebrate her book hitting the shelves Jan went along to her old school in Huyton, St. Margaret Mary's, to give a presentation and talk about how to reach your ambitions.

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