Author Paula defies cancer and releases second in children's trilogy

A children’s author is refusing to allow her cancer to get in her way of her work, with the second book of her trilogy out soon.
By Tony Gillan
Published 16th Aug 2023, 14:53 BST
Updated 16th Aug 2023, 14:53 BST
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Paula Fowler lives in East Boldon with husband Jeff Fowler. They have a daughter Beth, 21 and son Sam, 18.

Paula, 54, is a former bank worker who was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in October 2017 and given no more than six months to live. Six years later she is a fully fledged writer.

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Book One, Wizard Beano and Pals, was released in March. Book Two, Wizard Beano and Pals Help to Save the Planet, is out in October. The trilogy is completed when the third book comes out next summer.

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Author Paula Fowler with the first in her trilogy, Wizard Beano and Pals and the accompanying activities sheet. Picture, Sunderland Echo.Author Paula Fowler with the first in her trilogy, Wizard Beano and Pals and the accompanying activities sheet. Picture, Sunderland Echo.
Author Paula Fowler with the first in her trilogy, Wizard Beano and Pals and the accompanying activities sheet. Picture, Sunderland Echo.

Wizard Beano is a magical character who lives in the cherry tree in a Hastings Hill back garden. The character was invented 60 years ago by Paula’s father-in-law Joe Fowler, now 87.

When the family had a first great grandchild, Paula asked former shipyard worker Joe if she could write more stories, linking the ones he invented for his children and grandchildren.

The books come with an activities sheet, with a pound donated to Cancer Research for each sheet sold. The sheets aim get youngsters to see various places around the North East including Penshaw Monument, Roker Pier and Tufa at Sunderland’s marina.

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The books are aimed at children of all ages and illustrated by Seaham artist Kylie Dixon.

Wizard Beal and Pals Show How They Care for the Planet is out in October.Wizard Beal and Pals Show How They Care for the Planet is out in October.
Wizard Beal and Pals Show How They Care for the Planet is out in October.

Paula has given numerous talks in schools and other venues. Cancer is not grinding her down. She is also involved with a prom dress fair, also for Cancer Research.

She said: “I’ve stayed alive for six years now, whereas they gave me three to six months at the beginning.

“I’ve redirected my career, using my skills to keep myself busy. You don’t have to be defined by your illness. It’s nice to say to people when they ask what I do that I’m an author, instead of saying I’m dying of cancer.

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Read more: Prom dresses wanted to help Cancer Research and save parents cash
The character of Wizard Beano was invented 60 years ago by Paula’s father-in-law, Joe Fowler, now 87.The character of Wizard Beano was invented 60 years ago by Paula’s father-in-law, Joe Fowler, now 87.
The character of Wizard Beano was invented 60 years ago by Paula’s father-in-law, Joe Fowler, now 87.

“I’m managing to live in harmony with it. I’m not cured, but I don’t look unwell. It’s classed as terminal, but you think positively and give it your all. I’ve got a good support network and good friends and family.”

The books are £8.99 and available at local stockists, Amazon and at www.wizardbeano.com.