`FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS`

Ian Armstrong's one ambition in life was to become an actor. Circumstances and his compassionate nature hold him back, until a favourable newspaper review renews his dream, and a row with his girlfriend Anne changes their lives as she also rediscovers her own dreams.

A journey back to his childhood home town on the South Coast helps him decide his future. A chance meeting brings him success in the theatre in an unexpected way. For the first time in years he is content and happy. Sadly his adopted father doesn't share his enthusiasm and disowns him, without explanation. Why?

Determined to follow his dream, Ian returns to the South Coast to prove that he has what it takes to become an actor. Whilst on tour he gains an Agent and the chance to act in a new play in London. Confused, he realises he has fallen in love with an older woman. Declaring his love, she tells him firmly that he must think about his career, not imagine that he's in love with someone old enough to be his mother. Emotions and anger run high, but does Mari surrender to Ian`s magnetic charms? Reluctantly Ian moves to London to play Le Chevalier Danceny in `Les Liaisons Dangereuses.` The adjustments are hard, and Ian becomes disillusioned. A fellow actor gives him a hard time, until changes are made and a secret is revealed.

His success `on the boards` takes a beating as he is encouraged to search for his real father. Ian`s Agent helps him, but uncovers secrets about Ian`s dead mother that he'd rather not tell Ian about. Meeting his mother's parents is traumatic, even though they welcome him with open arms, but Ian is threatened, in more ways than one. Searching for his father, Ian discovers they both had theatrical backgrounds. More dark secrets, hidden over the years are revealed when he meets his father. Trying to come to terms with them and discovering he has a sister adds to his problems. Successes on the stage and failures in his love life, Ian feels he'll never find happiness. Is there truth in the old saying; - `Follow Your Dreams - Let Fate Be Your Guide.` -

113,000 words approx.

Novel Synopsis © 2002 Jacqueline Gaden

Literary Agents or Publishers interested in `Follow Your Dreams` should contact Jacqueline Gaden through Zzipp Creatives in the first instance.