From snapper to writer: Murmuration author Robert Lock in conversation on Lie in with Nicola

This week I will be joined by Robert  ‘Rob’ Lock, author of Murmuration.

The publication of the novel is a 34-year-old dream come true for Rob, who signed a deal with Legend Press of London last year.

Rob is well known to me in my role as journalist as he is also press photographer and  has worked for Johnston Press – particularly  the Blackpool Gazette, Lytham St Annes Express and Fleetwood Weekly News – for 23 years.

His novel is inspired by Blackpool’s North Pier and the spectacular aerial displays from Starlings there in winter.

Rob , 57, has been writing fiction since the age of 14 and draws inspiration from the magic realism genre.

Rob said: “The book tells the story of five different people whose lives are connected in one way or another to the pier of a seaside resort

“It is not Blackpool and North Pier, but obviously working here for years I have got inspiration from the town

“If anyone has seen the starling flocks in flight over North Pier they will remember, it’s an amazing spectacle and those murmurations are like a metaphor that runs through the book.”

• Listen in to Lie in with Nicola from 9am until 12 noon on Sundays via Chorley 102.8FM or online HERE
• Murmuration in paperback or e-book form via Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Murmuration-Robert-Lock-ebook/dp/B076LW47M9