TO BE able to write prose which others wish to read — indeed, are willing to pay to read — is an uncommon ability.

However, to have in addition to this, the skills to teach others, is an infinitely greater rarity.

Yet here in West Devon we have such a talent. Myfanwy Cook, based in Tavistock, has had more than 100 short stories published here and abroad, has won national prizes and has had many of her excellent historical tales broadcast on radio.

Her distinction in this field is exemplified by the fact she has for some time been features editor for the 'Historical Novels Review Magazine.'

Her prominence locally, however, is also due to the acclaimed workshops she has run during the past 15 years, where she will have inspired many a writer of historical fiction — of wide ranging abilities and hopes — to greater efforts to achieve. Some will have gone on to have work published and subsequent commercial success, others whilst not yet reaching such heights, will have gained knowledge, confidence and, possibly, the determination to persevere in pursuit of their goals.

A succinct summary of 'Historical Fiction Writing — A practical guide and tool-kit' is to quote the words of that well known paint advertisement — 'It does what it says on the tin'.

It is an illuminating guide for a field of writing which fascinates and has immense commercial potential — the shelves in book shops reserved for historical fiction are usually bulging.

The author has performed a masterly 'sleight of hand' in that she has written what is essentially an instruction manual, but done so with a style and panache which will appeal to a readership well beyond the keen, potential novelist. For she has seamlessly combined the diverse arts of writer and editor, thereby ensuring that the publication — not far shy of 400 pages — entertains as well as instructs, while for those who approach it with the mind-set of the student, it encourages as readily as it informs.

The book is divided into seven separate sections, highlighting such varying requisites for the budding writer as the basic, 'What do you need to get started', to the less apparent, but clearly crucial element for success, doing the correct research.

Also among the sections is one entitled 'The Essential ingredients,' a detailed, thoughtful treatise covering more than 160 pages and 13 chapters — truly the hub of the book — while a section which will have wide appeal is that devoted to tips from established historical novelists and writers, some household names.

One who slots into this bracket is Bernard Cornwell, whose series of 'Sharpe' books have sold in their millions. That a man of such eminence has contributed, at some length, to this publication is eloquent testimony to the regard in which Myfanwy Cook is held in the literary world, and to the importance of this work.

Among other notable contributors are Margaret Duffy, Tim Severin and Corwall's own EV Thompson, while successful more local authors also make perceptive comment, among them Lilian Harry, Tanya Crosse, Michael Jecks and Simon Hall.

Two very local names which will be known by readers is former police officer, now police-historian, Simon Dell, and Dr Ann Pulsford, a much published writer on the history of this area.

Possibly the author's supreme achievement in this memorable work, lies in the final section, 'Finishing touches', where, in just 25 pages, she draws together the multitude of threads, often web like, which abound in the previous 300, plus producing a conclusion which enables all the myriad 'pieces' to slot, jigsaw like, into a literary picture of wide panoramic proportions.

By any criterion, Myfanwy Cook's achievement in writing and constructing a volume of such erudition is of the very highest order — a work of outstanding practical scholarship.

The scope to the book is immense, as is the complexity of the subject, yet she has produced a work which will become to those with writing ambitions, a vital aid.

'Historical Fictional Writing — A practical guide and tool-kit' by Myfanwy Cook is published by Active Sprite Press http://www.activesprite.co.uk">www.activesprite.co.uk (ISBN 978-0-9567654-0-6) priced: £9.99 Available at Book Stop, Tavistock.

Ted SherrelL