All Dorset production for author's first novel

THERE was standing room only at the launch of local author Carol Hunt's book, The Portland Sea Dragon, at White Stones Café in Easton on Portland as youngsters dressed as mermaids, sea dragons and pirates queued for their signed copy.

The Portland Sea Dragon, which is Carol's first book, is an all Dorset production, with the book's artwork by Poole-based artist Domini Deane and published by husband and wife team Tim and Julie Musk of Dorchester based Roving Press.

Carol has always told stories to her three children, George and twins Jasmine and Jade, but it was a move to Portland five years ago that finally persuaded Carol to put pen to paper, inspired by exploring the myths and local legends of the island and to 'bring the stories to life'.

"I really wrote it for the kids - that's how it all started - having twins and telling them stories about a dragon called Godfrey, and they loved it. I sat down and wrote it in a month, and it was one of those books that wrote itself - and I'm incredibly excited about other people reading it."

The Portland Sea Dragon is partly set in 1616 with the heroine of the story, 12-year-old Isabel, who travels back in time encountering dangerous smugglers, devious mermaids, and an ancient sea dragon, solving the mystery of a young woman's disappearance. "Although it took a month to write the book" says Carol, "I spent the next three years going back over it, doing more research to make it more real and contemporary, and each time the story got a bit better. The children liked the book and were very helpful, especially the two younger ones who were good critics and would tell me if they didn't understand anything."

This was also the first book commission for Poole-based artist and illustrator Domini Deane, who provided the artwork for the book, capturing the mood and setting of the story in extraordinary detail. Carol has more books planned with a further three already in the pipeline in a series of 'Portland Chronicles', continuing to combine local folklore with real Portland history and places. But the Portland Sea Dragon got the thumbs up from her fans, including daughter Jasmine, who said: "It's really, really good, and I've read it twice!"

Carol's book is available from Roving Press, 01300 321531 and other Weymouth & Portland outlets and bookshops. www.rovingpress.co.uk

Report and picture by Jane Norman