Why I Decided to Write a Book

People often ask me what inspired me to write a book. The answer is simple: I've always loved stories.

From a young age, I found myself drawn into the pages of books, captivated by the way words could transport me to another place, another time, or another world entirely. Reading became more than a hobby; it became an escape, an adventure, and eventually a dream. As I grew older, that love of reading naturally evolved into a love of writing. I wanted to create the same sense of wonder for others that so many authors had given to me.

For years, writing was something I did because I couldn't imagine not doing it. Stories would linger in my mind, characters would refuse to leave, and ideas would appear in the most unexpected moments. I realized that some stories aren't meant to stay in your imagination; they're meant to be shared.

The spark for Shadows Below the Water came during a trip to Scotland. Standing before the magnificent Kelpies in Falkirk, I was struck by their scale, beauty, and the centuries of folklore they represent. I couldn't stop wondering: What if the old legends weren't just stories? What if there was truth hidden beneath them?

That single question became the foundation for an entirely new world.

As I dug deeper into Scottish folklore, I discovered tales that were mysterious, haunting, and unforgettable. The more I learned, the more I knew I wanted to weave those ancient legends into a modern mystery filled with suspense, hidden secrets, and characters searching for the truth.

Writing a book wasn't always easy. There were moments of doubt, chapters that refused to cooperate, and days when I questioned whether I could ever finish. But every challenge reminded me why I started in the first place. Every page brought me one step closer to sharing a story that had captured my heart.

If there's one thing I've learned through this journey, it's that dreams rarely begin with certainty. They begin with curiosity, passion, and the willingness to take the first step; even when you don't know where it will lead.

If you've ever dreamed of writing a book, creating something meaningful, or pursuing a goal that feels impossible, don't wait for the perfect moment. Start where you are. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. Your first chapter doesn't have to be brilliant. It simply has to exist.

You never know where one idea, one question, or one unforgettable moment might take you.

For me, it all began with a lifelong love of stories... and two towering horse sculptures in Falkirk that made me wonder if legends could be more than myths.

Maybe that's the magic of storytelling. Every great adventure starts with a single question.