Keith Main - Author and Illustrator

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Keith Main - Author and Illustrator

About

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About

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You can scan the QR Code below to find out what it said!

Find out More…….

Who are the Main characters?

Frederica Hoffman - ‘Freddie’

Ashley Bridgewater - ‘Ash’

John Wilson - ‘Jake’

Maureen Richards - ‘Mo’

Bill Mitchell - ‘Bill’

These are the five strangers who set out on this adventure, but one more Key Character is missing, and he changes everything!

Find out a little more about the characters with this months special limited feature.

Below is a short introduction on individual characters and an excerpt from the book.

Every few days I will add another and if you want to find out more…. then purchase a copy on Amazon!

‘Ash’

Ashley Bridgewater (Ash to everyone who knows her) is thirty-eight when we meet her. She’s five foot eight, a fraction over eight stone, and keeps herself fit by swimming almost every day except Sundays. Brown-eyed with jet-black hair she rarely wears down, she has a quiet, composed beauty. Her hair is usually tied in what some would call an old-fashioned bun at the back of her head. She doesn’t wear much makeup, though lately the dark circles under her eyes have demanded a little more attention.

Ash qualified as a lawyer with an honours degree from Glasgow University at twenty-two and rose rapidly to partner at Scott Brothers, the firm she joined straight after graduating. Her hard work and dedication were noticed almost immediately. As the story begins, she is locked in a legal battle that is draining her spirit, while also being haunted by guilt-ridden dreams of her older sister. One phone call on a Monday morning changes everything.

“She had never really told anyone about her life and her love of jazz. She had no siblings, not since, well, there was a story, but she did not go there, not voluntarily, a place that she did not enjoy being in. Few knew about it, and she preferred it that way.
Her sister would have been 40 next week, but she had never seen 20. Ash could never put what happened to rest. It was her secret, her guilt, her nightmare, and that was becoming more literal than she liked.
No matter what the truth was, the story stayed the same in her mind. She never shared it with anyone, not even her mother. Now the dreams and nightmares were getting worse.
She would waken in a sweat, shaking, sobbing. This had to stop, ‘I'm too busy,’ she thought. A cold shower after a long run at 5 am before being the first in the office by 6.30 was her way to deal with it, and up until recently, it had worked. Now it was taking its toll, but she did not have time.
It was a cold Monday morning when she arrived at her office. She fumbled with her keys before letting herself in, switching on all the lights as she made her way up to her private office on the second floor. On her desk, which was always totally clear, was a white envelope, perfectly straight and centred, just like she would put any document, book, or letter herself, a thing that few lawyers copied.
On the envelope, written in perfect Old English script, was her name, and in inverted commas, ‘Go do it, X.’ ‘What's this shit,’ she said to herself. She looked at it, and as she was about to throw it in the bin, the phone rang. The day had begun. She stuffed it in her bag, deciding she would read it tonight, or maybe not?”
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Jake
John Wilson (Jake) is fifty-one and six feet tall, and when we meet him, he is not in a good place. His dark brown hair, now greying, and his beard have grown wild and unkempt. His once-fit body has softened after he gave up his daily 10k walks with his faithful dog, Sam. His dark eyes are rimmed with red from sleepless nights, grief, and guilt. Since the death of his wife, far too young, he has lost his spark for life. Once, his passions were carpentry and sailing; now both seem pointless. He has, in many ways, lost the will to live, until one stormy day, when something happens that changes his life.

“He sat with the rug wrapped around him, wearing only damp boxer shorts and socks for at least twenty minutes, staring into space. The rain was beating on the roof and the windows of the car. He could hardly see anything through the steamed-up windows. The car park was next to what normally was a small stream. The thunderstorm had quickly changed it into a raging torrent.
Jake could just make out someone running erratically along the bank, trying to escape the heavy rain and gusting wind. It brought him back from his nothingness long enough to realise that it was dangerous, and he was right. As he wiped the screen with his hand, the figure appeared to trip on something, lose their balance, and slide down the bank and into the raging stream. Jake was out of the car and running towards them in seconds.
‘Hold on, I'm coming,’ he shouted.
The person was holding onto a tree root exposed by the rising, rushing water, but they were fighting a losing battle. Jake lay flat on the soaking bank, and he reached down, grabbing the jacket collar of the terrified person. He used all his strength to pull them further up the bank. He saw the face of a woman. Just for a moment, he thought, ‘Mary?’ Of course it wasn't.
‘‘Climb over me,’ he said to the woman.
She pulled herself further up the bank using his shoulders to finally push herself clear. The final push took Jake by surprise, and he lost his grip and slipped into the water himself. His head went under, and for one fleeting moment, he felt he should just let go,
‘I have nothing to live for.’
Then another pair of hands grabbed him and dragged him clear.”

Initial reviews for “Drowning In Guilt”

Before publishing “Drowning in Guilt”, I sent a few preview copies to some friends to get some feedback and reviews, so here is what they had to say -

“Wow! This was an emotional rollercoaster of a ride. Unresolved pasts, guilt, and truths, it has it all. Loved the Caribbean images and the Marine elements, but there is a major psychological back ground to it all with a great twist at the end… A sequel, please!” Roy -New York, USA

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“The Characters and their different life stories are well and sympathetically described. The narrative builds up a complex web of relationships, which drive the adventure through the islands of the Caribbean, which you clearly know and love. A perfect blend of scenic locations, sailing, scuba diving, marine wildlife and romance ……. with a twist!” Excellent!” Ron - Edinburgh, Scotland

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“Really loved the way the characters developed and how they got used to life on board with the trip starting innocently, then you become aware of an underlying threat from someone tracking the yacht. The book develops into a thrilling page-turner as we are drawn into a well-thought-out plot while caring for the characters. A good read and I look forward to your next one!” Eileen - Brackley, England

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“This is a must-read! The characters are cleverly crafted, and the plot is full of surprises and unexpected twists. Set in the Caribbean and centred on a sailing boat, I’m sure the story will appeal to mariners and landlubbers alike.” Louise - Menorca, Spain

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“I usually don’t enjoy reading Fiction, but this ‘got me’ right from the start. I was hooked, and it gave me a great excuse to escape the summer heat. Great book and I would thoroughly recommend it. I wanted to be there!” Davie - Mallorca, Spain

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“ I found it so hard to put down. Lots of twists and turns. Cunning, complex and inventive. Unputdownable! Love the characters, I felt I knew them personally.” William - Letwell, England

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“A hugely entertaining mystery ride. Awash with sunshine, sea, sex and exotic locations. There’s a cast of characters hiding all kinds of secrets/ The book is a page-turning onion, inviting the reader to peel back layers of twists and turns before arriving at unexpected destinations. What’s next?” Bryan - Queensland, Australia

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“Great Story, just Excellent. Not sure I would want to be in your head! Well done!” Graham - Menorca, Spain

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“What a beautifully presented book! At first sight of the cover, you are drawn into wanting to know more about the elegant boat it features, poised for its journey on the beautiful but truly treacherous Caribbean waters.

Through each carefully observed chapter, the crew reveal themselves, their life histories and what led them individually to the boat. Their lives can make you cry with empathy and also roar with laughter! It’s impossible not to want to know more about each of them.

The intricacy of the storyline has you guessing ahead but always feeling surprised - the pace of the book escalates, lies, secrets, motives fly as you find yourself unable to put this book down!

Looking forward to the sequel!” Jane - Menorca, Spain

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“Drowning In Guilt! I was ‘drowning in guilt’ as once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down - unlike me to read at home as I normally only read whilst on holiday, but I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next!” Lesley - Romsey, England

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“Totally different to your previous books. This adult novel had me keen to keep on reading! I was impressed by the content as it was right up my street. Not just crime but a touch of the nautical with an underlying mystery. I’m hooked and fervently hope that more is to come!” Derek - Menorca, Spain

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If you have any comments or reviews, email me at- drowninginguilt@hotmail.com

About Me - Keith Main

I was born in Aberdeen in the North East of Scotland on the 18th of April 1954 and am now 71. However, I am a man who is young at heart. I lived and worked in Aberdeen, establishing a successful AV and Media Production business, which I ran for over 40 years before retiring to the Spanish island of Menorca some years ago, where I have had a property for almost 30 years. I have two daughters and five grandchildren aged from 13 to 25 years old. They live in and around the Aberdeen area, and I visit throughout the year.

Based on the beautiful Island of Menorca, I live with my partner, Janey and our amazing dog ‘Bowie’. My hobbies include my Menorcan garden, my boat, and the occasional game of golf. I used to scuba dive, which I loved, but seldom do these days. Janey and I are widely travelled, with the Caribbean Island of Antigua being a great favourite of us both.

My writing of ‘Drowning in Guilt’ is a change in direction for me into literary fiction. I previously self-published two young adult fantasy books, written initially for my grandchildren. ‘Peter and the Boy’ and’ The Ostrigon,’ where I also provided the illustrations.

I was encouraged by my family to read to my grandchildren via the use of FaceTime to make up for living abroad. I decided to take the role in a different direction.

I have a vivid imagination and admit to being blessed or sometimes perhaps cursed with extraordinary dreams. These often helped shape my business ideas, but now my imagination and dreams have found a new home in my stories.

I generally write by hand ( see the story below) whenever and wherever the mood takes me. On a flight, waiting in an airport, on my boat or at my desk on a rainy day. Once transferred to the typed versions, Janey assists me in editing and refining the stories.

This novel, although fiction, is based on some personal experiences, people I have met throughout my life, stories they have told, and places I have visited.

I freely admit the experience of writing ‘Drowning in Guilt’ has been amazing. I have ideas for other similar adventures, as my imagination never rests.

My experience as an author is relatively new, but much like the stories I write, it began with an unexpected twist.

Many years ago, I decided to write about my life, including childhood memories, the lessons learned through work and travel, and the experiences gathered from my various business ventures. I began a handwritten journal, carefully noting dates and researching details to guide the narrative. For a while, everything went well—until disaster struck.

My love affair with Menorca began in 1996. Each summer, I would drive the 1,500 miles from my home in Aberdeen, Scotland, to my house on the island. The final leg of the journey was always a ferry from Barcelona to Mahón or Ciutadella.

In June 1998, I arrived at the port office in Barcelona to collect my ferry tickets. As I stepped out of the car, someone asked me a question in Spanish. Struggling with the language, I tried to reply, but he walked away. When I turned back, I saw my passenger door hanging open. I’d been robbed. My small case, which was sitting on the seat only moments earlier, was gone.

With less than an hour before departure, panic set in. This was before smartphones ruled our lives; inside that case was my Filofax, my life in paper form. Finding a policeman was nearly impossible, and when I finally did, he directed me to the main station to file a report. There was no time, and I knew it would be useless.

Once aboard the ferry, I quickly changed passwords and contacted banks. I was fortunate to still have my passport and wallet—but the real loss hit me like a punch in the stomach. My journal. Three years of writing and research… gone. I tried to start again, but the enthusiasm had vanished.

It took twenty years, until 2018, for the writing spark to return.

Semi-retired and living almost full-time in Menorca, I stayed connected with my family in Scotland through FaceTime. With five grandchildren, four of them under ten, one of my daughters suggested I read them a story now and then. That simple suggestion changed everything.

I wrote a short story, filmed myself reading it, and sent it to them so they could watch it anytime. It was originally called The Boy Who Forgot His Name. I enjoyed writing it so much that ideas began pouring in, and soon Peter and The Boy was born.

When I took the A4 manuscript to Scotland to read in person, my youngest grandson quickly grew bored and asked why there were no pictures. He was right—pictures would make it far more fun.Back in Menorca, I began sketching illustrations. My love of drawing made the process enjoyable, and inspired by my partner Janey’s wildlife work with WWF, I added a whole new dimension to the story. COVID slowed things down, but in January 2024, I self-published Peter and The Boy on Amazon. A year later, in January 2025, I published the sequel, Peter and The Ostrigon.

Now I have released Drowning In Guilt—a completely different kind of story, written for adults. It delves into darker themes, emotional struggles, adventure, and even a few racier elements. The book’s inspiration came from a small gift: Writer’s Ideas Diary by Morgen Bailey. It encouraged me to explore a new direction, drawing from real experiences. One of those was a strange but true incident in Antigua, where I ended up rescuing a young jet-ski rider who—astonishingly—couldn’t swim. That moment became the seed for what grew into Drowning In Guilt. The plot twisted and evolved as I wrote, characters arriving unexpectedly, ideas branching off in new directions. I’m already deep into the sequel.

Writing has become an outlet for my imagination and creativity—something I didn’t expect to enjoy so deeply. A friend recently reminded me that if my English teacher could see me now, having published not one but three books, she would probably have laughed her socks off… though perhaps with a hint of pride as well.

I hope you enjoy reading my stories as much as I enjoy writing them.