FOLK singer Dave Webber has achieved his dream and become a published author with a romance novel called A Secret Harvest.

Dave, from Upper Seagry, near Malmesbury, decided to start writing last year, after retiring from his job as the CEO of an international charity. His novel was published earlier this month.

“I first got the idea for the story about ten years ago, after taking part in a creative writing class,” he said. “But with my hectic job, there was no space to complete the manuscript.”

Dave, who already has a successful folk music career with six albums under his belt, worked with a self-publishing firm in London to get his manuscript edited and transformed into a paperback and ebook.

“All in all, the book has taken me about a year,” said Dave, who has already started his second novel.

A Secret Harvest follows the fortunes of timid Tom Dwyer, who, after discovering his late father was leading a double life, is forced out of his comfort zone and into contact with the much wealthier and well-travelled, Anna Aldridge. In the process of discovering new things about his father, Tom learns much about himself, too.

The book is set in Oxfordshire, California and the Hawaiian island of Maui, reflecting Dave’s passion for travel.

“I’ve personally been to all the places that feature in the book,” says Dave. “The places and people were tremendously inspiring.”

Dave sings with his wife Anni Fentiman, who he met 35 years ago through the folk festival circuit. They have toured the US every year since 1990, combining work with their love of travel. Their large fan base means that Dave already has a market for his books, which he will sell at gigs.

“Now I’ve finished the book, it is time for my friends and family to read it,” he said. “When you write something and put it out there it can feel very exposing, but I’ve had a similar feeling after releasing an album, so at least I’m on familiar territory.”

A Secret Harvest is published by Wrate’s Publishing and is available from Amazon, or from Dave's website at oldandnewtradition.com.