Luke's way with words (From Stroud News and Journal)

Luke's way with words

TALENTED author Luke Watson makes his first successful venture into print with his page-turning story about child sex trafficking in a new book featuring 20 writers.

Luke's story, God, is inspired by events following the Asian tsunami when traffickers used the tragedy to steal orphans.

It is a tale about a man called Godric who seeks redemption for his sins by finding the first child he ever took.

Luke, 24, was born in Avening and graduated from Leeds University with a degree in Creative Writing.

He has written another short story for the online magazine Aesthetica but has struggled to get his work in print since leaving university.

"I have had a number of dead end jobs but I am hoping to get myself an agent soon," he said.

His writing features in Tonto Short Stories which is supported by Arts Council England and includes authors from the UK, USA Canada and Germany.

Luke's work was chosen from over 300 entries from writers accross the globe in an online competition.

Publisher Paul Brown from Tonto Press said that God stood out for two reasons.

"First was the strength and uniqueness of the narrative voice and the second was the very clever way in which the story unfolds - things only become clear later in the story", he said.

"We know from experience how difficult it can be for new writers to get their work into print.

"As a result, there is a lot of undiscovered talent out there and we intend to find it."

Tonto Press was founded in 2005 by authors Stuart Wheatman and Paul Brown who aim to give authors more opportunity and a fairer deal than traditional publishers.

They have been circulating copies of the book to agents.

Luke is moving to London at the end of the month where he hopes to make a name for himself.

Tonto Short Stories is available from Amazon ISBN 0-9552183-O-6