Author on shortllist for award (From Stroud News and Journal)

Author on shortllist for award

A STROUD author has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for his first children's book.

John Dougherty, of Cashes Green Road, Stroud, was "delighted" to have his story, Zeus on the Loose, nominated for The Branford Boase Award.

It was one of seven books shortlisted for the prize, which celebrates the most promising book for seven year-olds and upwards by a first-time novelist.

Mr Dougherty got the idea for Zeus on the Loose when he stumbled across a book about the Greek gods while researching story ideas in a primary school.

Mr Dougherty said: "The thought flashed across my mind - I wonder what would happen if a Greek god actually turned up in a primary school classroom?

"I have always been a big fan of the Greek myths and legends, ever since I was tiny and heard a dramatisation of one on the radio."

He said he feels "honoured" to have been shortlisted for the award, which he hopes will raise his profile, but is not confident about his chances of winning.

Mr Dougherty said: "To be honest, I don't think I have got much chance of winning, on much the same principle that the 'best picture' Oscar never goes to a comedy.

"There is a great spread of subject matter. One of the entries is a child's narrative of the harrowing experience of a concentration camp."

Co-incidentally, the author of that book, Last Train from Kummersdorf, is also represented by Mr Dougherty's agent.

A former teacher, Mr Dougherty is also a singer/songwriter who has performed on BBC1 and BBC Radio 2, and the National Theatre.

When he is not writing and singing, he stays home to look after his two children, Noah, 4 and Cara, 2.

He has had to cancel a gig at the Golden Fleece in Rooksmoor to attend the award ceremony on June 30.

Zeus on the Loose was published by Random House in 2004 and his second book, Niteracy Hour, came out in April 2005, both priced £3.99.