Beginner’s pluck: Richy Craven's novel is tragic, yet funny

'Your first draft will never match what’s in your head. Don’t worry. No one will ever read it'

When a factual Christmas story Richy Craven had written went viral: 'It gave me the kick I needed.' Picture: Shell Murray

A nerdy kid with undiagnosed anxiety, Richy was a huge reader.

“I’d read anything. And early on, I wrote as well.