A writer from Newport has pulled off a double publishing feat this month. Phil Mansell has published his first paperback children’s book on Amazon and has also had his latest stage play published.
Phil also illustrated his children’s book, entitled ‘Uncle Mungo and the Great Wallaby Painting Contest’. It tells the story of an eccentric artist and beachcomber who becomes involved with a pirate postman, a bad-tempered lighthouse-keeper and a prize-winning pig named Prunella.
“This is very different from the kind of writing I normally do,” said Phil who now lives abroad, “I wrote the first draft in one session, and then worked on illustrations to go with it. My aim was always to self-publish the book as a paperback on Amazon. It seems to be the way many authors get their work known these days.”
He admits that self-publishing was a steep learning curve.
“I made lots of mistakes to begin with – to do with formatting the book correctly, making the artwork the right size and designing the layout. When it was done, and I had the first proof copy in my hand I felt a real sense of achievement.”
Phil is also celebrating that his latest play, ‘Transylvanian Red’ is now available from his publisher, Stage Scripts, and it becomes the 10th play he’s had published by them. He describes it as “a comedy drama about unrequited love, conceptual art – and vampires”.
Phil was formerly a long-time member of Newport Playgoers, and his full-length family drama ‘According to Claudia’ launched the society’s 92nd season and went on to win awards including Best New Play. He’s also had two one act plays staged at Newport’s Dolman Theatre.
Phil is now working on more stage plays and children’s books – including a Christmas story, memories of his childhood in the backstreets of 1950s Birmingham and further adventures of Uncle Mungo – all of which he’ll also illustrate.
“Since I retired, I’ve never been busier!” he added.
For more information about Phil’s writing and art, visit http://www.philmansell.com.