Paul Newson

Paul Newson was born in London in 1949, and grew up in Surrey and Henley-on-Thames. He currently resides in a rural cottage in the Cotswolds, just outside the city of Bath.

Paul's journey as an author is a testament to his determination and passion for storytelling. He left school before his 15th birthday with no formal qualifications and struggled with dyslexia, making reading and writing challenging. Despite these obstacles, Paul embarked on a diverse and adventurous career path.

His early years included a range of jobs, from assistant drayman for Henley brewery to selling bananas and drilling for water in London. Later, Paul ventured into entrepreneurship, importing Afghan sheepskin coats from Istanbul, cotton shirts from Marrakesh, running a bus from Munich to Istanbul and manufacturing jeans in his own Sheffield factory. In subsequent years, he built a portfolio of properties around the Bath area, Freshford, Trogir in Croatia, and Looe in Cornwall, establishing himself as a professional landlord and running holiday lets in these picturesque locations.

Paul's journey took an inspiring turn when he became involved in charitable endeavours in Ethiopia. He was privileged to be part of the now famous 1000 Star Festival, a gathering of 45 indigenous tribes in the Southern Highland City of Arba Minch, where they would perform their traditional song and dance. He continues his work here by supporting the local school, culminating in the building of a block of four classrooms. This newfound purpose led him to document his experiences and memories. As he began to write, Paul discovered his ability to recall intricate details and relished the research and writing process.

In his debut memoir, "Turn Left I Think. : Memoirs of My Dyslexic Journey," Paul shares the captivating story of his early life, from childhood to early adulthood. He invites readers to join him on a remarkable odyssey through Europe and North Africa during the unique 1960s. His writing offers a unique perspective, allowing readers to discover the world as he sees it—sometimes sad, often uplifting, occasionally strange, and wonderfully captivating.

Today, Paul enjoys the tranquillity of working on his flower meadow when the weather permits and delves into writing during inclement days. His writing offers readers a unique perspective. Journey with him and discover Paul's upcoming work explores his captivating voyages of discovery in Ethiopia, a country that has both mystified and intrigued him.

Outside of his writing pursuits, Paul finds solace in country walks, leisurely paddles up the Avon River, and quality time with his six grandchildren, often taking them on unforgettable mini adventures.