James George, 58, from Boulmer, is about to see the fruits of 20 years of labour, as his novel Village of Quiet Screams will soon hit bookstores nationwide.

US publishing company PublishAmerica has agreed to print the historical horror, set in north Northumberland, due out in two months.

The retired electrician received more than 50 knock backs before landing the seven-year deal, which includes all of his previously un-published poetry, and four more books.

James, who lives with wife Sheila, began writing poetry more than 20 years ago, ranging from "the hard-hitting, the gentle, war, life, countryside, the full spectrum of poetry".

After retiring on ill-health grounds nine years ago, he poured all his energies into his budding writing career.

He became a member of Shilbottle Learning Centre, where internet access and e-mail opened his talents up to a whole new world.

Now he is eagerly awaiting publication day.

He said: "I am proud to see my name in print.

"I set out to achieve a dream and the dream has come true."


A YOUNG girl is possessed by an evil source as she lives with a gentle band called the Meadow People.

Sara becomes embroiled in a race to save her life.

The Meadow People lived around seven hundred years ago.

This story goes from Sara's time to present time. Set in the ancestral home of the Duke of Northumberland and the Northumberland area.

Three gruesome deaths and the discovery of an old journal written by Ord the Medicine Man of the Meadow People. Professor Medway knows these deaths are linked to his ancestors, with the help of his daughter Jane.

Jane alone must face this disciple of hatred and the beast who protects Sara.

Can the journal help to unravel the full extent of why this is happening in the sleepy town of Alnwick?

More deaths occur as the story unfolds to the last encounter at the pastures of Alnwick.

Live this horror. Feel the love and anger of Egbard.

The beast from hell – the stench of decay!