Local author Deborah Tomkins had an extraordinary time in 2025 with the publication of her first two novels, Aerth and The Wilder Shore.
Deborah said: “It’s certainly been a bit of a whirlwind, with two books coming out within five months of each other – but it’s also been enormous fun, working with really excellent editors and learning a lot about the publishing industry.”
Aerth, which was published by Weatherglass Books last January, is the story of Magnus, a young man on a planet not unlike our own, except that it has a very small population and is heading towards an ice age. Although life is really tough, growing enough food for the long winters, society is deeply kind and respectful. But Magnus longs to explore as past generations did, so when there is an opportunity to join the space programme, he jumps at it, going first to Mars, and then to Urth, a planet very different from Aerth in almost every respect. Needless to say, things don’t go well.
This book appeared in The Daily Telegraph’s Books for Christmas, a guide to the best books of 2025.
“I am just thrilled,” says Deborah. “It is so unexpected – but very welcome! My publisher is delighted too.” The book will be published in Italian later this year by Italian publisher, Zona 42.
The Wilder Path was published by Aurora Metro Books at the beginning of June – just before Deborah’s daughter’s wedding. This novel is about Rosalie, an older woman, who becomes trapped in a tiny cave on the North Cornish Coast after a ‘rain bomb’, a violent weather event, with only an injured cormorant for company. There, she reflects on life as a parent and her path to becoming an eco-activist, prompted by the death of her eco-warrior son Jonnie years before.
“I know North Cornwall quite well,” says Deborah, “and it seemed the ideal setting for this powerful emotional story.”
Stanfords Bookshop in Corn Street hosted both Bristol launch events for the books, and Deborah says they have been amazing champions of her work. And what’s next? “I have a couple of projects in mind – but they are secret for now!”
Aerth and The Wilder Path are available from any bookshop, or from the publishers.