AN author from Broad Chalke has come up with a novel idea for readers to get hold of his books - by setting up his own library.

Steve Porter, whose day job involves running art projects in schools, decided to lend out the books rather than sell them after realising it was a far quicker route to gaining readers compared to waiting for a publishing deal.

Steve’s Library is based solely on trust and will see him covering the cost of return postage to anyone in the country - and the world - who gets in touch.

He said: “I am doing this so that my work might have readers, and so that readers might have my work - or at least borrow it.

“It is not-for-profit but if people want they can invest £10 or more which will go towards postage, packaging, printing and the website.

“And in return, they will receive regular updates on how it is going, a bit of unique writing and first dibs on new books when they come out.”

So far, readers can choose from two books - Social Wallpaper and Fireworks, with a third entitled Trapping Wasps currently being written.

Social Wallpaper is described as a fast-paced thriller based around a summer back-packing adventure on the Greek Islands which goes wrong , with the actions and consequences of the trip haunting two brothers once they return home.

Fireworks is based on a man who wakes up with amnesia who slowly pieces together who he is and what he is. As he gradually pieces his memory back together, he discovers that he has an extraordinary, almost god-like power to help others.

Porter said: “I began writing Social Wallpaper in 1997 in the wake of the book, The Beach and spent about four years on it before leaving it for a while and then returning to it after my daughter was born three-and-a-half years ago.

“The second one took about 18 months - I have had some really positive responses - and there’s been enough people that have read them for me to know it is not just fluff.”

People can keep books for a month and can then renew if they want longer. Both books are geared to over 18s.

To borrow a copy of either book, email or text your choice and details. The book will then be posted to you free. Return postage and packaging will be included inside the UK. For more details visit steveporter.org, email info@steveporter.org or text 07769 667487