Chichester College lecturer releases second book inspired by Daphne Du Maurier

A GCSE English lecturer is celebrating after the release of her second book, Bird Spotting in a Small Town.

Inspired by bird watching, lecturer Sophie Morton-Thomas is releasing the much-anticipated book with independent publisher, Verve Books on Thursday 29 February.

Sophie finished writing the book in 2021, however it was put on hold until final editing was finalised.

Sophie said: “I teach three days a week at the college, so I do have a little time to get writing done. It was nearly three years ago that I wrote Bird Spotting, but then the edits were over the past year. I do a lot of my writing in the college holidays and weekends.

“I’m a speedy writer so it only took me around six months, on and off. I only did one draft, but some writers like to do several drafts before sending the book out. The edits seemed like they took longer.”

Sophie is hosting a book launch at Waterstones, Chichester on Thursday, 29 February at 7pm.

She said: “My friends and family are proud and it’ll be great to see everyone I know at my book launch. Bird Spotting in a Small Town was picked as crime read of the month by The Sunday Times, so I’m also really proud of myself.”