A FORMER Dorset Echo reporter has published her first novel.

‘Before the Fall’ is the debut work of mum-of-three Juliet West.

She described it as a ‘moving tale of a love affair, set in the East End during World War One and based on an unforgettable real life story’.

Before her creative writing career Juliet worked as a trainee reporter at the Bridport News before moving to the Dorset Evening Echo.

The West Sussex resident, who returns to Dorset regularly, said: “I started my writing career as a trainee reporter on the Bridport News in 1992.

She added: “I was at the Bridport News for a year, then went on to work in the Weymouth and Dorchester offices of the Dorset Evening Echo.

“I live in West Sussex now but I try to get back to Dorset as often as possible.

“I fell in love with Bridport and it’s wonderful to see how the town has thrived over the years.”

Juliet undertook an MA in Creative Writing at Chichester University, where she won the Kate Betts’ Memorial Prize.

Her debut novel was shortlisted for the Myriad Editions novel writing competition in 2012.

She also writes short stories and poetry, and won the H E Bates short story prize in 2009.

Since its release, ‘Before the Fall’ received a wide variety of reviews praising her work.

Alison MacLeod, author of Booker longlisted Unexploded, said: “Before the Fall is as poignant as it is powerful.

“With tremendous sensitivity and insight, Juliet West explores the consequences of private lives engulfed by the public catastrophe of war.

“At the same time, nothing diminishes the force of her storytelling. Her characters – including London’s East End itself – are unforgettable.”

For more information visit julietwest.com