Oxfordshire retired head teacher’s top marks as thriller writer
Added: (Thu Nov 19 2020)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
A recently retired head-teacher from Oxfordshire is already gaining top marks in her new profession - as a thriller author.
AJ Warren stood down from her post as head of an early-years school in 2017 to provide childcare for her grandson.
But the 54-year-old also picked up the pen in a bid to fulfil a lifetime’s ambition to become a published writer.
Three years on, AJ has just released the third instalment of her highly-rated Lighthouse series of thrillers, The Box.
And yet again, the latest gripping, psychological page-turner has earned a string of five-star reviews.
AJ believes her years of providing education and support for the under privileged have provided the foundations for her books.
She explained: “My experiences of working with families over a number of years, including those with children who have special educational needs or are on the safeguarding register, enabled me to see the difference that support can make to narrowing the gaps.
“This belief in the importance of support underpins my books - importance of having someone there who cares for you and wants to help you.”
At the age of 17, AJ sent the manuscripts for a six-story children’s series to several publishers without any success.
The following year she sent a play to Channel 4, which was returned with the recommendation to adapt the work for radio.
Over the years AJ has also attempted to write a musical for the stage, but she has finally found her niche since retiring from her career in education.
AJ’s debut novel, The Lamp-post Shakers, was released to critical acclaim in 2018.
The following year she produced the equally commended sequel, The Ghost Chaser, and the wait is finally over for the third instalment.
The Box doesn’t disappoint, with a frantic search taking place for kidnapped woman, Jenny Gloverman.
As with her previous books, The Box is brilliantly unpredictable.
AJ added: “I decided to write a follow-on from the first two books, which mentioned Jenny and Stuart. Both
are strong characters, with a strong sense of self and survival. Ultimately, this is Jenny’s journey, though.”
Since its recent release, The Box has been described by reviewers as ‘brilliant’, ‘amazing’ and ‘a remarkable book’.
Fellow reviewer Lisa Turner added: “An excellent read - lots of entwining storylines: kidnap, murder, abuse, friendship, love.”
AJ is currently writing the fourth book in the Lighthouse series.
For more details, visit Amazon and search for AJ Warren, where the paperback and Kindle formats of The Box are both available.
Notes to the editor
PublishNation was formed in London in 2011 to provide high quality services to writers at affordable prices.
Since its launch, the company has assisted in the publication of around 2,000 books in a variety of genres for clients throughout the world.
For more details on PublishNation, visit their website at www.publishnation.co.uk