New Novel Release: The Night Swimmer Unveils a Writer’s Struggle
After months of writing (and rewriting), I’m thrilled to announce my debut novel, The Night Swimmer, is finally out! This is the story of William “Bill” Eckersley—a night swimmer, an aspiring writer, and a man spiralling into isolation and alcoholism in a bleak working-class seaside town. Caught between the haunting depths of his own psyche and the cold waters he swims in, Bill’s search for inspiration leads him into love, obsession, and chaos. But when art and madness collide, will he break through or break apart? If you’re drawn to raw, unflinching stories about art, addiction, and the human mind, this one’s for you. Available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon!
The Night Swimmer Paperback – 5 Feb. 2025
by Simon J Houlton
William “Bill” Eckersley is an unemployed aspiring writer, a night swimmer, and a man drowning in isolation and alcoholism. Living in a working-class English seaside town, he finds himself trapped—by a system designed to keep him down and by the weight of his own fractured mind.
Haunted by self-doubt and a relentless search for inspiration, Bill struggles to finish his first novel. His journey takes him from the cold, moonlit waters of the sea to the depths of his own psyche, where reality blurs with fantasy. As he spirals further, he discovers love, obsession, and chaos in equal measure.
But when creativity and madness intertwine, will Bill find the breakthrough he’s searching for—or lose himself completely?
A raw and unflinching exploration of art, addiction, and the human mind, this novel is a gripping portrait of a writer on the edge.