William Parker set out to be an actor but decided in his mid-30s that the stage was too frightening and precarious a profession for someone of a generally nervous disposition – just because one might be good at something doesn’t necessarily mean one has to do it!

He’s still addicted to make-believe, though, so settling down with fingers poised above a keyboard to bring characters to life has turned out to be just the thing, even if he’s left it rather late.

His first book, The House Martin, was published in 2010. His second book, The Last Doorbell, continues the story of a shy young man who might or might not bear some resemblance to his literary creator.