Former Bromsgrove resident publishes her first novel (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Former Bromsgrove resident publishes her first novel

4:33pm Wednesday 22nd September 2010 in News

A FORMER Bromsgrove resident, who now lives in the United States, has published her first novel.

Sarah Leamy, who grew up in the town, emigrated to New Mexico in the early 1990s.

The 43-year-old gained a love for travelling as a youngster through her parents, so when she left home, her interest in seeing more of the world continued.

Sarah’s life has been eventful, while travelling she has worked as a clown, visual artist, stilt-walker, photographer and performance artist.

Her latest project has seen her turn to writing, producing the novel When No One’s Looking, which focuses on a secret love affair.

The story, spanning five decades, centres on obsessive lovers who have had a messy relationship.

Sarah said she aimed to examine whether there’s always a last chance at love, in the novel.

She said: “We follow their (the protagonists) mis-adventures from a small town in New Mexico, then to Central America, Russia, the United Kingdom, and back to New Mexico.”

After writing the novel, she sent out query letters to various agents and publishers, but then suddenly had to return to England as her mum went into intensive care, and passed away. Following her funeral, she returned to the US to find there was an offer to publish the novel.

Sarah describes the success as being “bittersweet" and decided to dedicate the book to her parents.

The novel is available on Amazon, or can be ordered on the publisher's website, www.strageticpublishinggroup.com.

Sarah also has her own website, www.sleam.com.