With several books already to his name, and at the age of 92, Otterton resident Bruce Simpson has no plans to put away his pen just yet.
The pensioner is about to see his latest novel published by Austin Macauley, which has offices in London and New York.
Bruce is a familiar face in East Devon having run the Tidwell House in Budleigh Salterton for more than 20 years.
His novel, The Birth and Birth of Charlie Johnson is about a man whose life has so many twists and turns that he feels as though he is being reborn on a regular basis.
Bruce said although it is a work of fiction it is based on a real character … himself.
“My son in law helped me find the publisher and negotiate the deal after reading the book and not being able to put it down,” said Bruce.
“And he doesn’t normally read!”
At around 60,000 words, the book has been a labour of love and a long time coming. Bruce first came up with the idea when he was running Tidwell more than 26 years ago.
Bruce was born in Torquay and then moved to Newton Abbot. He went to Kings College Taunton before joining the RAF.
After he left the Armed Forces, Bruce moved to London where he held a senior position with luxury Swiss watchmaker Zenith.
However, he was travelling more than 30,000 miles a year with his work and after a serious accident involving two lorries he decided on a change of career and moved to Devon to run Tidwell.
Bruce, who lives in Dukes Close, Otterton, is married to his second wife June, who is 89.
He said he was looking forward to the book being published but was already working on his next.
“I enjoy writing and being creative and like to stay busy,” he said.
“I’ve got a lovely wife, a wonderful family and I’m very happy living in such a lovely part of the world,” he added.
Bruce’s book will be available soon on Amazon and from all good booksellers.