A CHILDHOOD dream to write a book has finally become a reality for Teesside University academic Gabrielle Kent.

Gabrielle, senior lecturer in computer games development in the university’s school of computing, has worked in and around the games industry for twenty years. But as an avid reader, she’d always had a passion for writing and dreamed of writing her own book.

Now having signed a three-book deal, Gabrielle’s debut title goes on sale this month. Alfie Bloom and the Secrets of Hexbridge Castle, published by Scholastic UK, will be the first in a series of novels.

The series will follow 11-year-old Alfie who inherits a castle and discovers he is the guardian of an ancient magic which others seek but should never be used. With the help of his two cousins, a shapeshifting solicitor and a flying bearskin rug, Alfie must ensure the secrets of Hexbridge castle stay secret forever.

Gabrielle said: “I’ve always loved reading and wanted to write a book since the age of six. I started writing this story about 10 years ago, working on it during the summer months. Once I’d finished it took around two years to secure an agent, who helped me to find a publisher. Scholastic have gone on to sell the rights to France, Germany and America.

“Although set in the real world, there are some other-worldly elements. The story has been described as Harry Potter meets Famous Five meets Roald Dahl, but unique in itself, which is an unbelievable compliment. It is aimed at an audience of around eight years and over, but I’m hoping it will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.”

She added: ‘Although not specified in the book, it has a North-east location with regional influence through the fictional town of Hexbridge, which I derived from Hexham and Corbridge.”

Gabrielle added: “As a child I spent many summers on farms in Ireland with my family and cousins, so I’ve incorporated childhood memories in the book. There were many influences in creating the main characters, who are a mixture of my own childhood, my friends and friends’ children.”

There are also plans for a spin-off web game based on Alfie’s story and Gabrielle has set the MA Concept Art students a brief based on the book, to give them experience working for a live client.

As well as teaching, Gabrielle also directs Teesside University’s annual Animex games and animation festival, which attracts the cream of the animation and games industry.

Alfie Bloom: The Secrets of Hexbridge Castle was short-listed for both the Northern Writer’s Awards and recognised by literary magazine Mslexia's Awards in their unpublished categories. An excerpt from the novel also won the Friday Night Live Award at the 2013 York Writer’s Festival.

Gabrielle will be signing copies of her book at The Book Corner in Saltburn between 11am-1pm on Saturday June 6.