A FORMER Herefordshire teacher is forging a new career as an author with the publication of her first book.

Set in and around the city of Hereford, Elaine Dimbylow's newly published book 'After the Affair' tells the story of rural priest Richard Lawson, exploring the effect on his family when his wife, Grace, embarks upon an affair with his wealthy stepbrother, Brandon Calthorpe.

The course of all their lives changes dramatically when she disappears, leaving Richard to bring up their two young daughters alone.

Richard attempts to cope with his wayward daughters as they grow up, whilst Grace struggles to bring up a child in a distant city, haunted by memories of her lost children.

As time passes, both Richard and Grace find new love, but somehow the bond between them is never quite broken.

Two worlds collide - that of life in a Herefordshire village and that of the Calthorpe family of Dalchett House, an exquisite sixteenth century manor.

But for Elaine, writing the book was about more than just telling a story.

"I spent 23 years working as a teacher in Herefordshire before stress, and my doctor's advice, forced me to give up the job I loved," author Elaine said.

"To deal with anxiety and OCD I turned to writing, something I have always enjoyed, and received a Masters in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University."

Written under the pseudonym Elaine Eleridge and published as 'Friday's Child', both names which have strong significance for the author, Elaine's book is self-published.

"This was a big challenge," she said.

"I learned a great deal in the process, but found people very helpful and patient with my insecurities. The book has been professionally edited, typeset and designed by Orphans Press in Leominster and printed by Clays."

Priced at £7.99, After the Affair is available to order in paperback from Waterstones and independent bookshops.