A talented West Kilbride author who wrote iconic TV shows including Brum has put pen to paper on his 61st published novel.

Alan Dapré, 57, is an accomplished author and TV scriptwriter, whose work has been nominated for a BAFTA and his plays broadcast on BBC radio.

He is now releasing his latest children’s novel Grizzly Ben - his first since the pandemic – which tells the quirky tale of a grumpy and grizzly little boy.

Alan reveals his love of writing all started at university, which spiralled into a successful career as a primary school teacher, scriptwriter and finally author.

He said: “It all started when I wrote a play at university, and it ended up being created and played on BBC radio stations.

“I was a primary teacher for much of my early years and I would write children’s books on the side after getting inspiration from my day job.

“I then moved into writing for television, for shows such as Brum, and I did that for many years.

“I ended up writing a new book every year or so until now I’m on my 61st which is quite incredible to think about.”

In Grizzly Ben, Alan works alongside illustrator Alex Ayliffe to take the reader on a familiar journey from tantrums to tucked up in bed.

He admits the books finds a fine line between humour and important messages, and reveals it has had a positive response so far.

Alan explained: “My books are very humorous, but there is also always a subtle message for the kids that they can hopefully learn from.

“Grizzly Ben is about how what you think you want isn’t actually always what you need, and the main character learns that the hard way.

“I have done a few pre-launch events and kids have really taken to the book and they seem engaged with the story.

“I like to have readers enjoy them and read them over and over again, I don’t want them to end up gathering dust in a drawer.”

Alan admits that getting books published is harder than ever after the pandemic, but says the support of independent and smaller bookshops is crucial for authors like him.

He said: “I wrote 60 books over three decades, but it is much more difficult now to get a book published if you don’t have an agent.

“We have lost a lot of libraries recently and the big chain booksellers dominate, so if you’re not with them you will find it difficult.

“Lockdown meant that I lost a few books that were in the works due to publishers reigning in what they are doing, and it hasn’t fully recovered yet.

“Support from independent bookshops like Timberbooks in West Kilbride is now more important than ever to get your work across to those who might like to support a local author.”

Grizzly Ben was released on April 3 and can be bought from Timberbooks and Waterstones.

For more details see www.uk.bookshop.org/lists/new-children-s-titles-for-march-april-2023.