A MERSEA Island musician has written a coming-of-age novel after being inspired by his own experiences in a semi-successful indie band.
Richard Williams has just published Fragments of Youth, which is set in the 90s and follows a young songwriter as he tries to make his way in the music industry.
The paperback’s main protagonist, teenager Will Green, wants nothing more than to be on Top of the Pops and gracing the cover of the NME with his band SharpShooter.
Still reeling from his dad’s death, being on stage provides him with an escapism from the reality of dealing with his heavy-drinking mother and caring for his sister Izzy.
As SharpShooter embark on a riotous tour of the UK, Will must navigate tragedy and temptation to keep both his band together and first love alive.
Richard, who grew up in Mersea Island and currently lives in London, graduated from the University of Roehampton with a degree in creative writing.
Speaking about his first full-length work, he said: “Having played guitar in a band in the early 00s, the ‘toilet-venue circuit’ is a world I know well and one I thought was under-explored in fiction.
“It might be a cliché, but I decided to write a book that I would love to read, one that captures the ups and downs of being in a band, the cut-throat music industry, as well as the normal trials and tribulations of being a teenager and trying to find your way in life.”
In the book Richard, who loves playing guitar and follows Colchester United Football Club, also explores relationships.
Initially main character Will is seen living in the shadow of his best friend and the band’s tempestuous lead singer Jake, until he meets Amy.
The headstrong love interest, who has ambitious aspirations of her own, is seemingly able to see Will for who he really is, and in a way most other cannot.
Richard added: “I set the tale in the mid-90s, as for me it is still the halcyon days of music and television, where summers seemed to last forever.
“I hope that the book will resonate, especially with music-lovers – those familiar with the cider-stained dancefloors and sweaty mosh pits.
“But at the heart of it is a universal love story, between Will and Amy, and their resolve in the face of tragedy and adversity.”
Fragments of Youth costs £8.99 and can be purchased from the likes of Amazon, Waterstones and WHSmith.
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