An East Kilbride author has had his second novel published and with every copy sold will give a donation to cancer research.
Alexander D Taylor, from St Leonards – Alex to his friends – is delighted to see his latest book, Topaz Butterfly, available now on Amazon.
The story sees Calum Sinclair put the final touches to his jewelled creation, the butterfly brooch, where it emerges from the cocoon of silver and gold filigree.
Giving the brooch to his betrothed as a token of his love, the gesture continues down the ages and would adorn every future Sinclair brides wedding dress. What began in the 17th century is still being carried on to the present day.
And 80-year-old Alex has been pleasantly surprised with its success to date.
He told Lanarkshire Live : "The book is selling really well, particularly in Canada. There are a lot of expats over there who love reading about such stories – especially those with Glasgow/Scotland connections. So it's been great to see it sell well.
"It's fair to say it has certain elements of truth to it."
The Topaz Butterfly took Alex around two years to complete, in between lengthy stays in hospital, but the enforced lockdown last year gave him more time to spend on his writing.
Alex, who has battled illness during the last few years, continued: "It took me two years to write as I was in and out of hospital for three years. But lockdown gave me more time to concentrate on writing and therefore finish it and get it published.
"I'm very happy with it and indeed every time I sell a copy I put some of the cash by and every few months make a donation to both Macmillan Nurses and Cancer Research as they have helped so much over the years.
"It has been a lovely experience seeing it all finished and on Amazon."
Back in 2012 his first book,The Bellfield Runners – a nostalgic look back at his life in post-war Glasgow – saw Alex travel to Canada and the United States on a promotional tour.
And it did so well, especially among emigrants from the city, that the publishers gave it a five-star rating.
Topaz Butterfly is available to buy here
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
