Local artist, Jay Fortune has recently added another string to his bow after becoming a published author.

After moving to the area from Devon, artist and magician Jay approached the Business Support Team at Blackpool Unlimited for guidance and found they had great advice for artists moving to the area and were always on hand to help with advice, contacts and offer expertise on how and who to talk to, to make things happen.

As with many artists and performers during lockdown, Jay found himself at a loose end. After some encouragement from a friend, Jay decided to revisit a previous manuscript that had laid unfinished for a few years.

Being an artist has certainly shaped Jay’s writing. “My art is very visual, bright backgrounds with fun compositions featuring figurative portraiture. I imagine things in pictures, usually in full colour with movement, so writing All Fall Down spawned from one simple clear image.’ He says of the novel, “All Fall Down questions the illusory nature of reality, so I think my love of magic has crept into the narrative.”

Jay says, “Having lived all over England, no council has been anywhere near as pro-active and helpful as I have found in Blackpool. It really is one of the best places to live and work in the UK.”

All Fall Down will now be in all good bookshops and Jay is currently working with his editor on a sequel which is hoped to be released in 2023.

Cllr Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Job Creation, said: “This is a great result for Jay. It shows how varied the advice and support is that Blackpool Unlimited can provide.

“This is also very encouraging for any local people who have found themselves in the same position post-pandemic and are not sure how to take the next step to fulfill their ambitions.”

For help turning a passion into a business, talk to the specialist team at Blackpool Unlimited Enterprise Centre, Lytham Road on 01253 477147 or visit www.blackpoolunlimited.com/start-up to find out more about how they can help.