Chorley writer Jen Carney has seen her dream come true by becoming a published author for the very first time

The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. was the first book in a series published by Puffin and now the author will be signing books in Chorley on the day her second book is released.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Aug 2021, 13:53 BST
Updated 10th Aug 2021, 14:28 BST
Author Jen Carney started writing stories when she was eight years oldAuthor Jen Carney started writing stories when she was eight years old
Author Jen Carney started writing stories when she was eight years old

Jen Carney. who grew up in Bolton, but has lived in Chorley for 16 years, had her debut novel published in April.

Now the second book, Basically Famous, is due to publish on Thursday August 19.

A third is due to be published in January 2022

Basically Famous, by Jen Carey, publishes on August 19Basically Famous, by Jen Carey, publishes on August 19
Basically Famous, by Jen Carey, publishes on August 19
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Jen explained: “All my life I’ve dreamed of being a published author.

“I started writing stories when I was eight years old and now, age 44, I’m thrilled to be able to say my dream has come true.

Jen said The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. “was inspired by my belief of the power of funny books to engage reluctant readers, as well as a wish to represent a less traditional family in funny fiction - to help nurture empathy for ‘different’”.

The Bookseller called the book ‘One to Watch’ saying, in their review: ”Carney breathes new life into the illustrated diary format...expect whip-smart observations, a sparky, relatable protagonist, and oodles of doodles.”

Jen Carney's first book, The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.Jen Carney's first book, The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.
Jen Carney's first book, The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.
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Jen continued: “My personal story is one that illustrates ‘never give up on your dream’! I first tried to get my work traditionally published in the late 90s - to no avail.

“I’ve done lots of jobs, but throughout all my jobs, I’ve never given up writing stories.”

In the Spring, Jen ran some Zoom sessions for local schoolchildren.

She said: "I thought it ace that a teacher was delighting at the fact that one of her pupils had chosen my book over his PlayStation the previous night!"

We're asking Chorley Guardian readers to nominate 150 reasons to celebrate Chorley to mark the Guardian's 150th birthdayWe're asking Chorley Guardian readers to nominate 150 reasons to celebrate Chorley to mark the Guardian's 150th birthday
We're asking Chorley Guardian readers to nominate 150 reasons to celebrate Chorley to mark the Guardian's 150th birthday
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Jen Carney will be signing books at Ebb and Flo bookshop, Gillibrand Street, Chorley, on Thursday August 19.

She will be giving badges to the first 50 people to buy/collect it her second book, Basically Famous.

The event is between 11am-noon.

Chorley 150 Countdown

Jen's story is included in our Chorley 150 series.

We are featuring 150 stories about Chorley: Inspirational people, places that we love, or special moments in the life of the borough.

It's a countdown to our 150th anniversary on November 4 and we’re celebrating the community we’re proud to be a part of.

If you'd like to see someone featured email [email protected]

Find out more about the Chorley 150 here

Related topics:ChorleyBoltonSpring

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