Blackburn author Heather Flood has overcome struggles to write a new book.

The author, originally from Blackburn, recently published her novel for children, Purple Mist, after 19 years of starting it. The book deals with one bullied teenager's hectic life as she finds out on her 13th birthday she is a princess from another planet, and must go back to save it from the evil king who killed her parents.

Mrs Flood suffered hemiplegic migraines which made it difficult for her to concentrate and write, she said: "Hemiplegic migraine has affected my memory and stamina, but I carried on and eventually completed the story after first getting the idea for it 19 years ago! So it is never too late!"

Coronation Street star Brian Capron endorses the book and said of it: "Don't you just love it when bullies get their comeuppance? Heather's delightful story tells how to overcome bullies, and is literally out of this world." Best selling author Tamara McKinley also attended the book launch.

Mrs Flood said: "The idea for the story came after I had experienced a life-changing event myself when my first marriage of 28 years suddenly ended. I found it therapeutic to write about someone having their world turned upside down.

"I put the outline for Purple Mist to one side and concentrated on writing three humorous stories for my grandchildren. Getting them published encouraged me to return to Purple Mist 19 years later."

Mrs Flood has previously written the Mousey Mousey series and Giant Sticker Monster Children's books, which have featured in Amazon's top 100. Mousey Mousey and The Witches's spells made it to number one in the category.

Mrs Flood and her husband Tony Flood, who is also an author and has once worked at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, are giving away signed copies of  the following:

My Life With the Stars, The Secret Potion, Mousey Mousey and the Witches' SPELLS, Mousey Mousey and the Witches' REVENGE and Giant Sticker Monster and Other Children's Stories. 

These are at a reduced price of £5.50, by sending cheques payable to Sportsworld Communications to their address at 24 Brisbane Quay, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 5PD. 

Purple Mist is available for £7.99, whilst Triple Tease is £7.50.

Donations from sales will go to Children with Cancer.