Melanie's Riding on a Wave of Success

The world of children's literature has been dominated by the world's favourite wizard, but now the tide has turned and the narrow boat adventures of James, Katie and Lewis are set to re-ignite children's imaginations - thanks to an Edge Hill University graduate.

Former student, Melanie Winrow, has been working non-stop to break into the world of writing since she graduated from her Joint Honours degree in Drama and Writing Studies in 2000. And with a brand new novel and children's story series set to hit the shelves, it looks like her studies have set her on the road to literary success.

The Adventures of James, Katie and Lewis: The Narrow Boat Adventures follows the story of three youngsters and their escapades during a summer at the seaside. All of the stories aim to entertain and educate children at the same time. Melanie said: "I think it's important that the books carry a serious message. In the first book of the series, for example, the children help the police foil a burglary on a narrow boat.

"As well as having an educational value, it was an editorial decision that the books were made bigger so they can be read by children while sitting on a parent?s knee. As someone who has worked in the education sector I know how important it is for children to start reading at an early age."

Melanie's big break into the world of writing came after searching through the Internet and coming across a website in which Gay Goodall, from It's Not Rocket Science Is it? Publications, was advertising story ideas. From there the tale of Melanie's success was something of a fairytale in itself, which even she can't believe. Melanie said: "It's amazing to think that this book is now available, it has all happened so quickly."

Although the past few years haven't been plain sailing for Melanie after she was involved in a serious accident, it has made her more determined to succeed in her new career. She added: "Writing has always been a passion of mine, and since I had the accident it has been a great way of taking my mind off the pain."

Melanie recently returned to Edge Hill to visit old friends and colleagues and saw the developments that have taken place on the campus since she left.

"I had a wonderful time at Edge Hill. There were so many unforgettable experiences and it is encouraging to see that Edge Hill is going from strength to strength."

The University has a variety of differing writing related courses, which range from BA (Hons) Creative Writing, BA (Hons) Creative Writing with English as well as MA Writing Studies and MA Women?s Writing: 1500 to the Present Day.

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