A 78-year-old is proving you are never too old to achieve your dreams after having his first book published.
Cadiston – A New Beginning, a crime novel by Colin Oakes was released by Novum Publishing, earlier this year.
Mr Oakes, who lives in Scarning, near Dereham, said he had long wanted to become an author.
He said: “Its a great joy to hold the book after a lot of expense, it was an enjoyment writing it and to see it published, I get lost for words.
“I’ve spent a fair amount of money to get it published, now I hope someone takes a chance and gives it a read and leaves it a good review or recommends it to a friend.”
He has been with his partner Janet for 30 years, becoming a father of three and a grandad to four.
Telling stories to his daughters grew into Mr Oakes' dream of one day being able to write novels for everyone to enjoy.
But he almost gave up on the dream in 2007 after writing a trilogy of fantasy books called The Ultimate Warrior. He sent them to several publishers, without without any success.
Mr Oakes said: “Don’t give up.
"I did slightly when my first book wasn’t published but after a few years, and not being able to shake it I tried again and I do not regret it.
"I just hope my book can now stand out amongst the rest.”
Mr Oakes was born in Costessey in 1945 and worked in various jobs from trainee chef to company management.
Mr Oakes also worked as a labourer in a meat processing factory, a self-employed gardener and handyman.
He attended Norwich City College and gained qualifications in catering and sage bookkeeping.
Mr Oakes has already written a sequel to Cadiston – A New Beginning, despite a slow start to sales.
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