AN AYR author inspired by Stephen King has published his first novel at 78.
Ken Cairnduff's 'Straad' is set in 1970s Ireland, which is described as "a modern time with modern morals, but just outside the clutches of mass media".
He describes the novel as “a darkly humorous story of living, loving and dying, questioning commitment and desire”.
Ken, who owned the hugely successful Internacionale and Au Naturale retail chains, started writing the book after he retired.
He began with a series of short stories, and over several years and a huge amount of editing, honed them into an 80,000-word novel.
Although having no formal writing education, he was buoyed by the author Stephen King’s advice that ‘writing is a craft, which can be learned’.
“It took a massive amount of time and work,” says Ken. “I can never be a Claire Keegan or Sally Rooney, but in my mind the book will be a success if it helps anyone consider their choices in a marginally different light. And, of course, if they enjoy it.”
Straad is from Ayrshire, a drifter searching for less shallowness in his life. He longs for Claragh. She ambushes his busy days and haunts his lonely nights.
Ken says: “Straad is far from biographical, although some locations are real - Cork City and the Kerry Mountains.
"I tried to capture the culture of Ireland at the time, with its massive changes, all still very relevant to Glasgow and Scotland today.
"Many not-so-old readers will remember these (perhaps unfashionable) times with fondness.”
Apart from Straad and Claragh’s love affair, the novel also delves into the affairs of their friends, and their late-night tales of improbable hijinks and lost loves.
Ken added: “I hope my story, at my age, inspires others with half-finished books in their heads, or hearts, to commit the time and effort to complete the task. It’s well worth it.”
Straad is available through any bookshop, Troubador Publishing, or on Amazon.
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