A CHISLEHURST copywriter has written a horror novel inspired by a job centre visit 12 years ago.

Aiden Truss, of Jay Gardens, started the Bromley-based novel Gape a particularly “dispiriting” experience whilst out-of-work and it remained untouched for more than a decade.

The 42-year-old resumed it last year whilst caring for his son and now Sirens Call Publications have snapped it up.

The father-of-two said: "I started writing it during a period of unemployment about 12 years ago.

"After a particularly dispiriting visit to the job centre I sat down and started to write about someone struggling to find work who gets swept up in extraordinary supernatural events.

"The unfinished manuscript sat gathering dust until last year when I submitted it to a publishing house for some feedback."

“I took a year out of work last year as my 13-year-old son had scoliosis and needed two operations.

“I spent much of the second half of the year writing Gape while looking after him."

The book builds on Mr Truss’s local knowledge from living in Chislehurst for 22 years – as well as containing some more abstract influences.

He said: “Gape is a horror novel with a humorous vein running through it, taking in the streets of Bromley to the Gates of Hell.

“It is the story of a young homeless girl who comes to the attention of a demon who is bored with his existence and looking for new experiences.

“It's only just been published but I've had lots of encouraging feedback and already a few people have asked for a sequel.”

For more information, visit aidentruss.com/2013/08/16/321

A launch event is taking place at Piranha Comics in Bromley High Street on September 28 from 12pm.