An Alsager mum has realised a long-held ambition to write a book and get it published.

And already the talented writer, Jane Betteley, from Hall Drive, is on to her second book - and hasn't ruled out writing more.

Jane is holding a book launch for 'These Thoughts Are Yours' tomorrow (Saturday) at The Mere Inn in Alsager at 7 pm. 

The 46-year-old works at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College and grew up in Worcestershire but moved to Staffordshire in 2002.

Five years ago, the mother-of-three moved to Alsager. During her degree, which she completed in 2016, Jane received good feedback from a creative writing module.

Jane has always wanted to write books. (Photo: Deborah Bowye/Alsager Nub News) r

"I've always read a lot and have enjoyed writing. After the lockdowns and bouncing back after the peri menopause, I decided to start writing," she said.

"I write whenever I can. During college holidays, at night or at weekends. We're currently converting the garage into a room so part of that will probably become my study."

'These Thoughts are Yours' published on Amazon, is a collection of 20 short stories.

Each one is different and range from one about a shopping trip to another about someone visiting their mum in a hospice.

As Jane says in the book: "I have always written. It's my way of making sense of the things that live in my head (of which there are many).

"As an over thinker, I have found that writing things down is not only a great therapy but also really enjoyable.

"There are a plethora of themes running through the book and I will be honest, there was no plan when it came to what each would be about, other than they would centre around the female experience." 

Jane has had a cake made for the book launch. (Photo: Deborah Bowyer/Alsager Nub News)

And although Jane loves writing, she has no thoughts about giving up her job in a managerial role at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College.

"I love my job and helping students. There is no reason why young people shouldn't achieve what they want to."

And for Jane, it would seem, she's certainly achieved her ambition – to be a writer.

More details about 'These Thoughts Are Yours: A Collection of Short Stories' can be found here https://amzn.eu/d/hZRULoT