A CHILDREN’S author has told how her pet dog inspired her to start writing.

Jessica Parish, 27, from New Bold, has published her first book of the Pugalugs series called The Beginning.

And for Jessica, a former account manager, with no previous writing experience, buying her first pet dog, who is named Rocky, three years ago was the catalyst for her to follow the creative path. “He is such a character with so much personality,” said Jessica, who lives with husband Mark.

“He got loads of attention from everybody in the neighbourhood and children seemed to be drawn to him.

“It gave me the idea that a pug character might be quite popular and I wrote the story not long after.”

And after overcoming the six-month challenge of self-publishing the book, the first Pugalugs tale is now available, with Jessica planning a series of stories for her canine character.

“I decided to self-publish because I wanted to keep control over the illustrations and spoke to more than 100 illustrators but was eventually put in touch with Helen Poole, from Crosby, who has beautifully illustrated the book and truly brought the characters to life.

“I am writing the fourth one at the moment and I want him to grow up throughout the books. I am hoping to get the second out in the next two to three months.

“I am also looking to do a Halloween and Christmas one, the ideas are just endless.

“The reception to the book has been really good and we’ve had lots of support. People have commented and said they can’t wait for the next story now.”

The book is available on Amazon and will be launched at independent bookstore Wardleworths, who will stock the story, on Saturday, January 24. “I am so happy that Wardleworths wanted to be involved with the launch of this book as a long-standing, local book shop. It’s great to have the support in St Helens.”

The book is also available on www.pugalugs.co.uk