Rochdale scent company inspires employee to write children's novel

Liam Findlay puffs scented air

A Rochdale company which creates unusual scents and smells for the likes of Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Madame Tussauds has inspired one of its employees to pen a children’s book.

Liam Findlay says AromaPrime is to thank for inspiring much of his upcoming children's novel, The Doom Town Dummies, which will be out this September.

The Doom Town Dummies is a fully-illustrated adventure for children aged 8+. It follows the tale of Colette Planchette, who can speak to the dead with a supernatural sense of smell. Her ability comes in handy, considering her best friend Lucian is a ghost.

When the two find themselves in a village of eerie shop-window dummies, it soon becomes clear someone, or something, is watching. The story is full of references to smell - how it can trigger emotions or maybe give a clue to help solve a mystery.

Liam said: "AromaPrime is very much like if Willy Wonka made pongs. They create the likes of anything from T-rex breath to pirate ship, and working for them has helped me see the world through smell.

"With this in mind, it was great to write my children's book from a smell perspective. How does a girl with a smell superpower navigate the world? I have tried to describe smells in great detail, and they are tied into the story in many interesting ways. There is even a company in the book inspired by AromaPrime!

“It is my hope to inspire children to pay more attention to the weird and wonderful world they can access through their noses."

AromaPrime was founded in Blackpool, in 1973, by businessman Fred Dale. It later moved to Rochdale where it has continued to grow with an international customer base.

Liam added: "One day, we'll be making the smell of the ocean for a swanky Hong Kong party, and the next day, we'll be working with a prestigious museum to authentically recreate the smell of an Egyptian Mummy. There is no end of story inspiration to be found. I can't wait to share my book with everyone in September."

The Doom Town Dummies will be published on 19 September 2023.