Rotherham teacher Victoria is now a published author

Mum-of-two Victoria Bolton’s debut novel Worlds Away is a sci-fi love story set on an overpopulated earth at breaking point.

The 33-year-old, who teaches English at Wales High School, had the idea for the tale about a decade ago.

She said: “As a busy working mum, I’ve always harboured a desire to be an author but I never considered it possible.

“I didn’t think I’d have the time to do it. But after giving birth to my second son, the idea of writing a novel wouldn’t go away. 

“I started writing Worlds Away in an embarrassed, almost apologetic way, fully expecting to abandon it after a week or so and resume normal life. 

“I didn’t want to tell anyone what I was doing in case I came across as pretentious or, worse, misguided.”

Victoria, of Maltby, said finishing the book had brought a mix of relief and sadness — as well as fear that it would soon be “out there” for others to judge.

The interstellar romance story takes the reader on a voyage to far-off planets, looking into ideas of love, society and government.

“It has taken a year to complete and has been an absolute labour of love,” said Victoria. “I’d like to encourage people to do what they want to do. 

“Don’t just let ideas lie dormant in your head. “Who knows what you can achieve when you put your mind to it? 

“I didn’t think I’d be able to have the time to write, the time to think of a plot or the skills to publish a book, but I managed to make time and learn. 

“Don’t let that nagging voice of doubt in your head win.”

Vicki, whose pen name is VE Bolton, thanked Wales High for supporting her writing ambition and added: “It’s a wonderful place to work.”

Worlds Away is available from Amazon as a paperback and digital download.