Shirley Thompson - Freelance Writer


Shirley   

         Thompson   

Member of
"The Society
of Authors"


FREELANCE WRITER

 

Shirley Thompson is a 'chameleon' writer, because although currently a biographer, she writes in a variety of genres, encompassing an eclectic range of fiction, magazine articles, song-writing, poetry and screenplays.


Biographies    -    Talks    -    Fiction    -    Poetry    -    Articles    -    Photographs

To order any of the eight books on this website
contact
shirleythompson@blueyonder.co.uk

Adrift In Paradise
by Shirley Thompson

Fiona Eastley, an attractive young widow, is recovering from the trauma of her husband’s sudden death. The months that follow are like a nightmare. Two years later, she is still trying to pick up the pieces. The beautiful island of Skiathos, in the middle of the Aegean Sea, seems an ideal setting for putting such memories behind her. During a fortnight’s holiday, at Club Skiathos, she meets not one, but two handsome strangers, who are destined to transform her life.

This is a broadly-based romantic mystery novel, about a modern woman, with all her strengths and insecurities. It is designed to appeal to adults of all ages. The pages are filled with exotic locations, including several islands, at different points of the globe, each with a unique ambience. The Creative Arts feature prominently, plus an international cast of characters. Several of the chapters take place on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia. There is also a strong Irish link, via one of the two heroes, the legend of the Rose of Tralee and beautiful Bantry House, in the south-west of Ireland: the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry.

Fiona must decide which of her two lovers she will eventually spend the rest of her life with. But before she can do so, Fate plays an extremely cruel and unexpected trick.  

For the Sirens of Greek Mythology are intent on luring the three main characters onto the rocks. As events unfold, four of the islands take on a far more sinister aspect. This is a story full of twists and turns, which will keep you guessing - right until the very end!

Order your Advance Copy NOW, for the special price of just £8-95 + £3 for U.K.
Post & packaging: (variable postal rates for copies sent abroad)

Publication date: Saturday 5th September 2009

Photos from the book signing of my new novel, 'Adrift in Paradise'
(Borders Bookshop, Touchwood Shopping Centre, Solihull, on Saturday 5 September)
Click photos below for larger image

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King of Clubs - The Eddie Fewtrell Story
by Eddie Fewtrell and Shirley Thompson

Birmingham would definitely not be the place that it is today, without Eddie Fewtrell. Born one of ten children in the 1930s, in the backstreets of Aston, much of Eddie’s childhood was spent keeping house and caring for his younger brothers. An alcoholic father and an invalid mother prevented him from attending school and leading a normal life – a scenario a million light years away from the vast nightclub empire that he was destined to build. By the 1970s he had become the most powerful man in Birmingham’s Clubland. With the support of his large family, in particular his seven brothers, he went on to achieve even greater success.

Eddie’s first club, the Bermuda Club, was in Navigation Street, Eddie moved to pastures new, in the form of the Cedar Club, on Constitution Hill. Over the next few years Eddie opened Rebecca’s, Abigail’s, Boogie’s nightclub, Boogie’s Brasserie, Edward’s No.7, Edward’s No.8, the Paramount pub and Goldwyn’s. Barbarella’s became the top showcase for many up and coming UK pop groups. In 1989, he sold his clubs to Ansells but he returned three years later to open a new wave of clubs. Professional success came at a high price; Eddie reveals how his millionaire lifestyle and the pursuit of wealth led to tragic consequences.

240mm x 170mm Paperback
Fully Illustrated - 106 back & white/colour pictures
ISBN
978-1-85858-406-5

Special Offer - £13.95 inc p&p

Eddie has 3 very special registration plates for sale,

1EFR, EF2 and EF3

To make an offer on any of these, please e-mail Shirley and the information will be forwarded to Eddie.

 

Prices include free postage, on single copies, to anywhere in the UK
 
Please specify if you would like the book signed to anyone in particular

Auf Wiedersehen Pat

Finally Meeting Princess Maud
by Seamus Dunleavy and Shirley Thompson

Seamus' fascinating life story stands in two worlds: the older Charlestown County Mayo world, of donkeys and fleas, teachers and characters, banshees and fairy forts, contrasting with the modern, more tangible world of wrestling, nightclubs, pubs and hotels and property development. With all the skills of the traditional Irish storyteller, Seamus relives his childhood and relates how, after he emigrated to England at seventeen, he and his brother, Mickey, became famous wrestlers. Now a highly successful businessman, Seamus has built a permanent life for himself and his family  in England, but keeps in touch with his Irish roots, via frequent return trips to Ireland. With a Foreword by Professor Carl Chinn, M.B.E. this is a story not to be missed!

Signed by Shirley Thompson and Seamus Dunleavy     £13.95 inc p&p


Auf Wiedersehen Pat

***** New Offer *****
Auf Wiedersehen Pat

+
If : The Pat Roach story

+
Pat Roach's Birmingham
***** New Offer *****

All three books in the Pat Roach Trilogy (see below)
can be ordered for £30 (excluding p&p)
A
saving of £13 on the set of 3!

 

Auf Wiedersehen Pat

Auf Wiedersehen Pat
by Pat Roach and Shirley Thompson

This inspirational book is Pat's final goodbye to the world, before his tragic death from cancer, in July 2004. It also contains over seventy tributes, from close family and friends, including a host of celebrities. Kevin Whately, Chris Fairbank, Julia Tobin, Noel Clarke, Jimmy Nail and Timothy Spall all feature prominently; Tim Healy has written an entire chapter for it. There's a very special Foreword by scriptwriters Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais; Aufpet producers Joy Spink and Chrissy Skinns describe the difficulties of filming Aufpets 3 and 4, whilst Pat was coping with cancer. Wayne and Sarah Bridges, Mick McManus, Seamus Dunleavy, Pete Roberts and Killer Kowalski are just a few of the many sports celebrities who recall life with Pat. Three galleries of very special photographs are the crowning glory to this unique biography.

240mm x 170mm Paperback
Fully Illustrated
ISBN 1 85858 292 X

Signed by Shirley Thompson      Unbeatable Price of £12 inc p&p


If : The Pat Roach Story

If : The Pat Roach story

For the first time, wrestler-turned-film-and-television actor Pat Roach tells his unique life story, to his co-writer Shirley Thompson. The book traces Pat's life, from poverty stricken childhood to famous celebrity, it reveals 'the man behind the image', and covers his considerable achievements in the fields of sport, film and television.

Nominated, on publication, for the James Tait Black Memorial Prize

240mm x 170mm Paperback
Fully Illustrated
ISBN 1 85858 209 1

Signed by Shirley Thompson      Unbeatable Price of £12 inc p&p


Pat Roach's Birmingham

Pat Roach's Birmingham

Readers are taken on a roller-coaster of a journey, from the shady world of 'duckers-and-divers' and illegal drinking clubs, to the dizzy heights of Pat's success, in the international world of sport, films and television. A penultimate chapter describes hilarious trips abroad.

Recommended by 'The Bookseller'
For collectors copies see below

Crown Quarto Paperback
Fully Illustrated
ISBN 1 85858 252 0

Signed by Shirley Thompson     Unbeatable Price of £12 inc p&p


The Original Alton Douglas : A Biography

The Original Alton Douglas : A Biography

Birmingham born Alton Douglas is a man of many talents. This entertaining biography compiled with the help of well known writer Shirley Thompson traces Alton's multi-faceted career. National Service in the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards was followed by music groups, stand up comedian work in theatres and clubs nationwide and eventually television appearances and radio shows.

With a total of 38 books to his credit and sales approaching half a million copies he is today the Midlands best selling local author.

240mm x 170mm Paperback
Fully Illustrated - 119 images b/w
ISBN 1 85858 230 X

Signed by Alton Douglas and Shirley Thompson     £13.50 inc p&p


There's More Out Than In : Ellen's Story

There's More Out Than In : Ellen's Story

The subtitle of this book is 'Ellen's Story' and writer Shirley Thompson has described life in a working class family through the 1930's to the 1960's through the eyes of Ellen, the family's mother. The story begins in Birmingham, in 1913, and concludes in 1999.

A5 Paperback
Fully Illustrated
ISBN 1 85858 141 9

£5.95 inc p&p


Contact Shirley Thompson by
email for all of the following

 

 Links

Click here to visit www.virtualbrum.co.uk

 www.wrestlingfurnace.com

www.britishwrestlersreunion.co.uk

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