Larne writer’s close to home inspiration for ‘Naked Windows’

Jim Shields followed up a hat-trick of successes in the short story section at Larne Museum and Arts Centre’s annual competitions by launching ‘Scene Through the Rearview Mirror’ last year to critical acclaim (read more here).

Now, the father-of-five has penned another series of thought-provoking and entertaining tales.

‘Naked Windows’ went on sale earlier this month with royalties from the book going towards supporting the work of the Marie Curie Hospice.

Jim, a retired professor, said: “I always wanted to write fiction, but when I retired in 2004, I found it challenging. To write fiction I had to learn to read again - read fiction that is, and resist getting to the bottom line. So, in writing I am teaching myself to read.”

Jim worked on many civil engineering projects before switching professions and discovering the world. He retired from academia with the title Professor Emeritus.

Despite travelling extensively throughout his life, almost all of Jim’s inspiration for his short stories come from his Co Antrim surroundings – including a visit to the local library in Larne.

He explained: “One story, The Vikings Are Coming, is fashioned from summer afternoons spent at a beach close to home exploring the landscapes of childhood.

“In another story, I recount my first visit with my uncle to the Carnegie Free Library. I discovered science, technology, engineering, languages, literature and ambition. I discovered I could have a future - it was up to me. In the cloistered cells of the Carnegie Free Library my imagination found its wings.”

Naked Windows is described as a hugely enjoyable collection of evocative, insightful, and humorous stories. Jim’s tales of fragile love and vulnerable relationships are an invitation to journey with him along the hedgerows and alleyways of memory.

Away from his writing desk, Jim is an active member of his local amateur dramatics group.

For more details, visit Amazon and search for Jim Shields, IBSN: 9798671879360, where the paperback and Kindle formats of Naked Windows are both available.

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