Middleton author to sign copies of debut novel in Rochdale

A Middleton author will be conducting book signings of his debut novel on Thursday (27 June) and Saturday (29 June).

Nigel Cartner be will signing copies of his novel, ‘Lost in Manchester Found in Vegas’, at Spotland Library on Thursday evening (27 June), Balderstone Library on Saturday morning (29 June) and WH Smiths in the Rochdale Exchange on Saturday afternoon.

‘Lost in Manchester Found in Vegas’ was published in September 2017 with a big launch party at Manchester 235 Casino after seven years of work.

Nigel, a co-host of the Sonic Bandwagon radio show on Stockport radio station, Pure 107.8FM, said: “I was more involved in music during that time – either reviewing bands or broadcasting on the radio and I kept this very quiet in the background chipping away at it. My enthusiasm for music has become an integral part of my writing, with the fascination and passion I hold for music and literature eventually having to come to a head.

“Sure enough, a holiday to Las Vegas with my friends acted as a catalyst for me to throw all these influences and ideas together. ‘Lost in Manchester Found in Vegas’ is a story born out of the fires of such artistic influences, overlaid with my own voice and approach.”

 

 

Seen through the eyes of protagonist Ricky Lever, ‘Lost in Manchester Found in Vegas’ is a coming-of-age story showing how six nights in Las Vegas can influence a man at a crossroads in life after the break-up of his long-term relationship.

Desperate for answers, he embarks on a soul-searching trip to Las Vegas with three of his oldest friends, hoping that a new direction in life will be revealed to him.

Speaking about his wider influences, Nigel said: “I’ve always been drawn to novels that explore coming of age as part of the theme.

“The likes of Rex Pickett and Nick Hornby are personal favourites as they capture this idea of ordinary people thrust into dark times, who eventually manage to come through adversity improved by the experience. But it’s the extremities and intrigue of writers such as Hunter S Thompson and Charles Bukowski, and their use of brutal honesty, pushing boundaries into the darker side of life that really attracts me.

“It is their ingenuity, coupled with their depravity and rebelliousness which has me completely hooked.

 

 

“There has always been a connection with the Manchester music scene down the years, whether that’s from the great bands that helped create the status Manchester currently sits upon, or the work I’ve done in helping little known local bands push a bit further towards achieving their own dreams.

“My main passion has always been for music from the 60s and 70s, and the rock icons that made that time so great. The wisdom and attitude shown by those legends played into my own mindset, and none more so than The Doors.

“It’s the chord-striking lyrics of my favourite band, and of the many great songs of the times, that have always acted as a mantra to how I’ve tried to approach life.”

‘Lost in Manchester Found in Vegas’ is available in paperback and ebook formats.

For more details on the book signings, please visit:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/search?searchtype=text&searchvalue=NJ+Cartner