A FORMER County Council employee who quit his job to become a full-time writer has launched the second instalment in his trilogy of romantic novels.

Steve Brotherton, who worked as a senior manager in adult services for Worcestershire County Council for four years after more than 30 years working in social services, is about to release the second part of his trilogy, entitled ‘An Extra Shot’.

The book follows on from the first book in the trilogy, entitled ‘Another Shot’ which focused on the love story between Freddie and Jo-Jo, two teenage lovers who re-unite after 35 years apart.

Mr Brotherton, 57, said: “The books are semi-autobiographical in that they are based on the first relationship I had when I was 17 or 18 years-old.

“It didn’t work out and the reason the books are semi-autobiographical is because the re-uniting hasn’t happened in my case.”

Prior to his retirement in April, Mr Brotherton worked for Worcestershire County Council, and says adapting to life post-work has been a challenge.

He said: “Being retired means I have a lot more time to devote to writing.

“Normally I will get up early in the morning and do four or five hours writing, usually at the library or somewhere like that where I can get away and have some privacy.

“You have far fewer interruptions from your day to day work.”

Mr Brotherton shared some details about the themes of the book, including the many cultural references to the era in which it is set.

He said: “The book is set 30 plus years ago so there are a lot of references to the music and culture of the 70s and 80s in there.

“All those references show that it was a completely different way of life back then.

“The books explore the relationships these characters have with their parents too.

“Writing these books has been a cathartic process for me - I have had these stories in my head all my life and finally getting them onto paper has been huge.”

'An Extra Shot' by Steve Brotherton was published by the Book Guild and released on July 28 and is available from booksellers including Waterstones, Amazon and Blackwells.

The book follows on from the cliffhanger ending of 'Another Shot' which was published last year.

Mr Brotherton, who lives in Telford, and grew up in Walsall, is now writing the third instalment in the series, which he hopes will be released in the spring of next year.