MAKING a teacher cry convinced a Galashiels author that he was onto a winner with his stunning debut novel.

Alastair Jamieson’s nerves were calmed ahead of the release of his astonishing first book, Black Light, after his friend admitted a chapter had brought her to tears.

The 36-year-old father of two, who writes under the name AH Jamieson, explained: “Before Black Light was published a few friends and family read it.

“They all said it’s great, but then they would wouldn’t they.

“One of the biggest compliments I received was from an old teacher friend who said the last dialogue between the sisters made her cry.

“If you can make people feel your story, something is going right.”

Alastair, who is originally from Lerwick, taught in primary schools for 15 years after graduating from the University of Stirling.

But after settling in the Borders a couple of years ago with his wife, Rhona, and their two young sons, Callum and Aaron, he decided to pursue his passion for writing.

Black Light is a beautifully-told fantasy adventure about a young orphan, Verity, and her quest to overcome evil and discover truth.

An unknown twin sister, mysterious witches, some secret powers and a talkative mole provide just a few of the twists and turns along the way in this thrilling novel.

But Alastair admits he began the gripping Black Light with just an empty page and a sprinkling of influence from Roald Dhal.

He said: “I sat down one day and turned on my computer.

“I had no real idea what I was doing or going to do - I took a leap of faith and started typing.

“The opening scene from Matilda got me started and the rest of the story seemed to tell itself to me - except the end.

“The end was hard.”

Alastair is already plotting a follow-up after receiving glowing reader reviews.

He added: “Black Light is about reminding people that you don’t get to choose what happens in life but you do get to choose what you do about it.

“Verity is a young girl who sets off on a journey for the truth - the truth about herself, her past and her future.

“I’m hoping Black Light will be the first part in a series.

“I already have sequels in mind.”

Black Light is available from Amazon.