Former Halesowen student releases scifi novel

As ambitions go, one Halesowen man is ticking off his list of things to achieve at some pace – adding author to the mix. Jonathan Hipkiss spends his days working on a Cradley industrial estate but his passion for creativity knows no bounds.

He is an up-and-coming stand-up comedian, having supported Jack Whitehall at Birmingham's Barclaycard Arena; starred alongside respected actor Toby Jones in BBC's critically acclaimed drama Marvellous and co-written a live sketch show, performed at last year's Edinburgh Fringe.

Now aged 25, Jonathan has just released his first novel.

The former Windsor High School student – who went on to study professional acting at Birmingham Theatre School – enjoys running, writing, performing, but his greatest love is for all things Star Wars.

It was inevitable that his novel would be in the science fiction genre.

Rise of the Geeks Following an Alien Invasion! is a lighthearted take on the sgenre, poignantly examining the lost innocence of youth in a coming-of-age tale as four boys forced to tackle things they fear most – life, love, and loss – plus a quest to meet Han Solo sctor, Harrison Ford.

"While there are no direct comparisons to anyone I know in the book, in some way, the main four characters, the geeks/boys, are each a little part of me and loosely based on my experiences as a geek and my inept way with women," said Jonathan.

"The adventure aspect of the story came from my love of movies and my desire to escape the real world.

"I'd rather be watching Star Wars than the news, though doing stand-up means you have to keep up to date with what is going on in the world."

The book focuses on a group of friends, Chilvers, Matt, Tom, and Mark are about to have their mundane existences thrown into chaos when four tiny aliens crash-land into their lives.

"After I've finished promoting the book, myself and my comedy partner, Sam, will take to writing a new hour long show over Christmas which we plan to take on the road and return to next year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The book is available to buy online via Amazon or contact the author directly for a discount (£10 including postage) or to have a copy signed via jon_h2005@hotmail.co.uk

By Paul Naylor