'Without the encouragement of fellow writers the book wouldn't have been published': Stourbridge author publishes first book
A Stourbridge man who has only been writing poetry and short stories for nine months has become a published author.
Adrian Hill grew up in Dudley and wrote poems as a small child but the 47-year-old, now of Stourbridge, credits a group called The People's Platform who meet regularly at The Queen's Head, Enville Street to share their work for giving him the push to publish his own book, called Freefalling Up Hill.
It is described on Amazon as a book which "invites readers into a world where humour meets heartbreak, rhythm meets rebellion, and every poem pulses with truth".
"It captures the resilience, absurdity, and grace of being alive today.
"With echoes of everyday life and the defiant spirit of the Black Country, Freefalling Up Hill celebrates language, perseverance, and the beauty of imperfection."
A launch party saw members of the group and members of the public - including Adrian's mum - listen to reading from some of the people he described as 'mentors' to him including host Katie Victoria, poet, writer and radio host Lee Benson and West Midlands author Glyn Phillips.
Adrian said: "I remember the first time I came to the group, I wasn't confident in what I had written or confident enough to get on stage but Katie Victoria had secretly booked me a slot and that was the first time I read in front of an audience.
"She gave me the push I needed and Lee has been a great encouragement and inspiration in terms of coaching me on delivery of poems and encouraging me with the book because it is not easy to see things through without other people supporting you.
"Glyn as well who is a celebrated poet, has written two books and writes and performs in all different styles - he makes it seems so easy which it isn't.
"I do believe if people are inspired enough to perform and write, anyone has a book in them, but I also believe if it hadn't been for fellow group members encouraging me I wouldn't have got the book published so I am indebted to all of them."
Adrian's book is available now on Amazon and The People's Platform meet every month at The Queen's Head, as well as regularly at Roberto's bar in Halesowen. For more information e-mail peoplesplatform.info@gmail.com.
