Nicola Garrard, the Sussex-based author of critically-acclaimed novels 29 Locks and 21 Miles, has a new treat in store for her readers.
In August she is bringing out On the Edge, a cross-over novel that is written to appeal to both a young adult audience and an adult audience.
The talented Nicola has a keen ear for teen language and concerns.
On the Edge tells the story of how Rhys copes in a small town on the Devon coast when seasonal work dries up as winter storms hit, housing is hard to come by and livelihoods are threatened by distant bureaucrats. Life is much harder for Rhys and his two younger brothers than tourists can possibly know.
It is only when surfing that Rhys finds solace in the beauty around him: the crashing waves, towering cliffs and sandy beaches. But when that solace is taken, his tinder-dry rage is soon ignited. Determined to defend his family from a life blighted by social neglect and poverty, Rhys is drawn to Dodo, a radical political activist. Before long, Rhys’ actions spiral out of control, with dire consequences for himself and those he loves.
Nicola produces beautifully drawn characters, lyrical depictions of the natural landscape, brotherly love, family loyalty – and surfing. It all adds up to a powerful and thought-provoking summer read that you won’t be able to put down!
Nicola, who is also a poet, spent her early years living on the Devon coast, growing vegetables and fishing to eke out her family’s earnings. She has been a teacher in Inner London for over 20 years and now lives in West Sussex with her wife, three children and dog.
She will be giving a second workshop to Anderida Writers, Eastbourne, in January 2026 and is available to provide talks to other writing groups.
Anderida Writers Chairman Tony Flood with Nicola Garrard after she gave a workshop to the group’s members
On the Edge is available to pre-order now via this link:
Author Tony Flood, who lives in Eastbourne, has spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also editor of 'Football Monthly', Controller of Information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with 'The People.'
In his celebrity book My Life With The Stars - Sizzling Secrets Spilled', Tony recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges - learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.”
My Life With The Stars provides revelations and amusing anecdotes about showbiz and sports personalities including Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, George Best, Kylie Minogue, Eric Morecambe and Des O'Connor.
Tony also writes in other genres and his crime thrillers have been endorsed by best-selling author Peter James. They are Triple Tease, Stitch Up - Killer or Victim? and Fall Guy - who really killed his wife?, and all feature compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore. In addition, there's a fantasy adventure for youngsters called Secret Potion and a book Tony has co-written with wife Heather, aptly titled Laughs and Tears Galore - short stories and poems with twists!
Recently, Tony joined The Collective of seven local writers all contributing one character to family saga Driven by Desire, which is full of conflict, fierce ambition and passion as well as a dramatic kidnap.
Tony also writes theatre reviews for the Eastbourne Herald, Brighton Argus and BourneFree Live, as well as playing veterans football for Sovereign Harbour Veterans. He is the oldest - and slowest - player in the team.
