WARRINGTON-born author chasing a ‘lifelong dream’ has been shortlisted for a prominent literary award.
Originally from Great Sankey, Peter Gibbons only began writing his fantasy Viking tales back in lockdown and has now been nominated for the award of ‘Kindle Storyteller of the year’ for his book ‘King of War’.
As the fourth novel in the saga of the successful Viking series, the story is set back in the historic period of 874 AD and follows the character of Hundr and his ‘crew of battle-hardened warriors’ as they navigate through a brutal ‘bloodthirsty’ war.
Peter explained always being ‘drawn’ to that historic period due to growing up and living near areas that have many links to the Viking era.
“Places like Knutsford have a Viking link as well as many places near to where I live now,” Peter said.
And because of the major events that took place during that timeline, Peter explained it being a perfect setting for his novels, along with the appeal of the ‘escapism’ element to any fantasy fiction.
“The names of these characters are in all the history books, and a lot of the events I write about that happen in the book are actually true, as far-fetched as they seem.
“I think people like ‘King of War’ because it is an adventure book. It is not highbrow Charles Dickins literature; it is an adventure.”
The 45-year-old moved to County Kildare in Ireland with his wife Fiona Gibbons, 44, and still finds time to write every morning despite juggling a full-time job in insurance and being a dad to his three children.
He said: “The motivating factor behind it is that you’re chasing a dream.
“For years it is something that has sat within me, something I have always wanted to do but I never thought it would be possible.”
He described being ‘thrilled’ to be nominated for the Kindle award.
“It is both surprising and amazing at the same time,” he said, “I would be delighted and thrilled to win but the main point for me is the platform that it will give the books.”
After exploring different ways to have his work published, the author discovered the free publishing platform ‘Kindle Direct Publishing’ and has used this to publish all his current books.
With his saga of titles including ‘Viking Blood and Blade’, ‘The Wrath of Ivar’, ‘Axes for Valhalla’ and ‘King of War’.
“When I put the first book up on Kindle Direct Publishing, I went out to take the kids to football and when I came back, I was surprised to see that people had actually been buying and downloading it, in random places all over the world, and it all just kind of snowballed from there.”
The former Great Sankey High student would recommend the publishing platform to any aspiring author.
"You can upload your manuscript yourself and it is up to you how professional you want that to be. You’re in complete control, I can see how many books I have sold every day."
“That is the power of amazon, you can upload your book and if it is a good book, thousands of people have access to it.”
The Amazon Kindle awards will be held in London this year on Monday, October 24.
And Peter will be attending the prestigious ceremony with his wife while his children cheer him on from their home in Ireland.
The ‘Kindle Storyteller Award’ is given out exclusively to author’s who have used the self-publishing platform, with the winner receiving a generous £20,000 prize.
Peter is currently writing the fifth book in the Viking saga and is also releasing a new book this month starting a separate narrative which is titled ‘Warrier and Protector’.
Keep your eyes peeled for future book releases from the talented author and visit his website to find out more information at petermgibbons.com/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here