A Falmouth journalist and author who has sold over 350 copies of her debut novel in just three months is running a St Piran’s Day promotion to celebrate the book’s Cornish heritage.

Nicola K Smith launched A Degree of Uncertainty in conjunction with the Falmouth Bookseller in mid-November and is thrilled to see sales already fast approaching 400 copies.

“It is my first novel so I had no idea what sales to expect, but I am continuing to get some great feedback from readers far and wide as well as really positive regional interest, and it seems to be going from strength to strength,” said Nicola.

“I have even been contacted by a screenwriter in the US who was very taken with the story and wants to discuss options. It’s amazing to think it is being enjoyed by readers across the world.”

Falmouth Packet:

A Degree of Uncertainty is set in a fictional Cornish town inspired by Falmouth, and tells of a community divided by its rapidly growing university. “The story considers the impact — both positive and negative —a fast expanding university can have on a relatively small town,” said Nicola.

“Imagined characters include a ruthlessly ambitious Vice Chancellor, intent on expanding the university and cementing her own career legacy, and a passionate local businessman who is committed to saving the town from being overrun with students. The two are set on a collision course from the start.”

The book brings some of the very real issues in a university town alive, and explores what happens when a tight knit community slowly becomes fractured, pitting friends, neighbours and colleagues against each other.

“Because the book is influenced by living in Falmouth — and is set in a fictional Cornish town — I thought it would be fitting to run a St Piran’s Day promotion to tie in with Cornwall’s celebrated national day on March 5,” said Nicola.

Between midnight on Friday, February 28 and midnight on Saturday, March 7, 2020, UK readers will be able to benefit from free postage and packing when buying A Degree of Uncertainty direct from Nicola’s website: www.nicolaksmith.com. The ebook will also be available to download free from Amazon.co.uk during this period.

The novel is also available from the Falmouth Bookseller and Waterstones in Truro.

Cornwall Libraries stocks A Degree of Uncertainty in a number of its libraries too — including Falmouth, Penryn and Truro — and the title has been consistently out on loan since launch.

“Readers keep asking if there will be a sequel, and I do feel the characters of Dawn Goldberg and Harry Manchester have a lot more to say,” said Nicola. “There’s certainly unfinished business so…watch this space!”