HE’S probably more known for his sculpting skills but, recently, Aberdeen’s Stephen Irwin turned his hand to another artistic foray – writing.
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And, it appears the decision will pay big dividends with the release of his inaugural novel, Contention.
In the first 10 days, sales have exceeded $3000, just through Facebook and selling a few locally at Barton’s newsagency in his hometown.
The romance fiction tome, based in Scone and Newmarket (England), captures the heart-pounding excitement of the sport of kings; the wild seduction and temptation of dangerous women; a trainer’s love for his prized horse; and the thrill of the race to become the champion.
Irwin also exposes the real-life injustices that occur in the thoroughbred racing world, giving the reader a taste of the exhilaration of snaring the number one crown.
It’s a subject close to his heart after spending 35 years in the industry.
However, he hung up the reins at the age of 42 – and discovered a hidden talent with metal work.
In 2016, Irwin returned from the sixth annual Sculptures in the Garden exhibition, in Mudgee, with two impressive wins under his belt.
His work, I Always Wanted to do That, was awarded the Moolarben $5000 Acquisition Prize.
He also took home the $15,000 Mid-Western Regional Council and Sculptures in the Garden Acquisition Prize with Taking the Plunge.
Ironically, the front cover of Contention features that piece of artwork.
“I listen to a lot of audio books while I’m welding,” Irwin said.
“A few of them centred on the racing industry; however I found them not very realistic.
“They don’t say it as it is.
“It’s funny, my wife’s always wanted to write a book – and it was her suggestion that planted the seed.
“Then, when we were in Newcastle, a story idea hit me at 2am.
“So, I got up and wrote it.
“Oddly enough, that will be the sequel to Contention as I’m planning to have three to five books in the series.
“I actually started this [particular] novel three weeks later.”
In his maiden offering, two rival racehorse trainers – Angus Masters and Logan Weston – compete in the world’s most prestigious race at Royal Ascot in England, the Queen Anne Stakes.
“I’ll admit the story’s based around the local area, like the Upper Hunter, on people I know,” Irwin said.
“Now, the reviews have been coming back in; and are overwhelming with how residents are rating the read.
“Ninety per cent have raved about it, saying they can relate to it.
“That's really started sales kicking along.
“I’ve self-published, investing more than $16,000 to date with the publishing and PR costs, for example.
“However, the locals are loving it – and trying to put faces to the characters.
"It’s a bit raunchy, with some swearing, but that’s life in the racing industry.
“I don’t hold anything back.”
That reaction will ensure Contention is not Irwin’s last offering.
“I had a lot of fun writing it, I didn’t want to stop,” he said.
“That’s why I’m already working on my second book.
“It will be the same characters, with a few newcomers thrown in.
“I’ve got 40,000 words written – and it should be out before Christmas.
“If I could do it full-time, I would.”
