Carrickfergus-based tattoo artist penned horror novel during lockdown

A tattoo artist who was forced to close his business during lockdown has told of how he used the time to pursue his dream of writing a book.
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Carrickfergus man Neill Morris (31) will release his debut novel, horror saga Elmwood, on the October 4.

A professional tattoo artist and owner of Shoreline Tattoo in Whiteabbey Village, Neill has always had a love for creative writing. “Ever since I was a kid I loved all things horror,” he said.

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“My first introduction to horror literature was the Goosebumps books by RL Stine when I was 8 or 9 years old, and later evolved into Stephen King, Robert McCammon and Ray Bradbury.

Neill Morris.Neill Morris.
Neill Morris.

“I wrote several short stories when I was younger. When I was 21, I wrote and directed my first short film, ‘Seven Minutes’,which went on to win a couple of awards. I always have story ideas in my head and I’ve always wanted to write a novel, but I let my dyslexia stop me pursuing it. In November 2019, I finally decided to give it a go.”

During the first lockdown in March 2020, Neill had to temporarily close his tattoo studio. “The free time I gained, I used to work on the second and third draft of the manuscript, tightening the story with every draft. I completed the final draft in July 2021,” said the married dad-of-one.

Elmwood tells the story of Aidan, who, since discovering a body at the side of the road, has been plagued by horrific, recurring nightmares.

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He and his wife, Laura, decide to leave Fallbridge City and the chaos behind them for some peace and quiet at a beautiful Victorian home called the Lake House, nestled at the edge of the forest that surrounds the picturesque town of Elmwood.

The novel is being self-published on October 4 and will be available in paperback and e-book format.

Copies will also be available from Carrick bookstore The Secret Bookshelf.

For more information, see www.ntmorris.com--

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