A writer from Masham whose road to becoming a published author began with the passing of her father says she was inspired by JK Rowling to leave her latest book in public places for people to discover.

Yorkshire-born Becky Farnell, who writes under the pen name B.B. Grantley, has been putting copies of her dark fantasy novella Persephone in places where they might be picked up, much as the creator of Harry Potter once did.

"JK Rowling always talks about how her book was picked up by someone on a plane,” she said.

"That’s when it took off, the book, that is.

Masham's Becky Farnell, who writes under the pen name B.B. Grantley, has been putting copies of her dark fantasy novella Persephone in places where they might be picked up. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Masham's Becky Farnell, who writes under the pen name B.B. Grantley, has been putting copies of her dark fantasy novella Persephone in places where they might be picked up. (Picture contributed)

"I’m a great believer in fate.

"I’ve been giving copies of Persephone to friends and leaving it in different locations where it can be found.

"I got a greetings card through my door recently saying how good the book was.”

Persephone, which tells the slightly supernatural story of a woman on life support after a crash crash who finds a new, better world opens up to her, wasn’t meant to happen at all.

Becky, who worked in banking for 16 years, had already published her debut book following the death of her dad ten years ago while caring for her mum full-time.

Then, one night out of nowhere, came the idea for Persephone.

"I never meant to do a second book,” she said.

"I was also studying psychology in my spare time!

"Then I had a dream and the book was just there with a beginning and an end.

"I wrote the whole thing in eight weeks.”

Asides from ‘gifting’ some copies to life and the universe, Becky is also pushing Persephone via Instagram where she has built up 450 followers and rising.

Originally from Wakefield, she says she loves living in North Yorkshire and is delighted by how the book has been received.

"The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and many have told me they found it impossible to put down,” said Becky, who is a member of a book club.

"It’s a good read for working mums who are busy.

"One comment I hear repeatedly is that it would make an incredible TV series, with comparisons to Stranger Things because of its dark, supernatural atmosphere and unexpected twists.

"Although it’s a bit dark, it gives readers a whole new view on life.”

To find out more about Persephone, visit Instagram at @persephone_b.b.grantley