Become a member of the Big Issue community
JOIN
Behind the scenes

Profits from Thriller Novel to Support Big Issue Vendors

All profits from the first 500 copies sold of John Levis' debut novel Shimaura will support Big Issue vendors.

Author John Levis, or “Leslie Charles” (his pseudonym), has recently released Shimaura, a thriller where all profits from the first 500 copies sold will go to The Big Issue.

Money problems and a failing marriage pale into insignificance when an accident on a late night shopping trip leads Edward Patterson to question the things he sees, the people he meets, those closest to him …. and his own actions.”

We thought this was a great way to support Big Issue vendors, so we got in touch with John to ask him some questions.

Q: Tell us about your book!

A: Essentially, the book is about a couple who have secrets from each other that come to the fore after an accident. It explains how they got there and how the aftereffects from the accident and of their secrets change their lives. There’s a sub-plot involving the husband character who starts to visualise things and the explanation intertwines with the main plot.

Q: What was the inspiration for the story?

A: I’ve always been interested in stories where people’s lives get out of control through no fault of their own (a bit like how homelessness can come out of the blue I guess). The story comes from an idea that people can simply go missing and an imagination of what could cause this to happen in some cases.

Q: What made you decide to give the profits to The Big Issue?

A: I think homelessness is the unspoken issue of our times and especially now, it could affect anyone. I can honestly see a time when not only homeless adults but potentially children will die on the streets of one of the wealthiest countries in the world and it’s shameful. I’ve always admired the work The Big Issue does and it’s my way of supporting you.

Q: Why did you use a pseudonym and is there any significance to the name?

A: The reason for the pseudonym was that Leslie Charles were my late father’s first names (Leslie Charles Levis). Unfortunately, he passed away before the book was completed so won’t have known, although my Mum saw it being published online before she too passed away in May 2020 and was happy I did that.

Q: Do you plan on writing more books in the future?

A: I’d love to write more books in the future, I’ve got some ideas bubbling up in my head and I need to make time to get them down on paper (screen). Retirement is due in 6 or 7 years so maybe that will be the ideal time.

Q: How did you get into writing or have you always had a passion for it?

A: I’ve always been interested in writing and I’m told I’m good with words. I love the way you can immerse yourself in a book and the idea for Shimaura just seemed too good an opportunity to miss.

If you’re interested in purchasing a copy, you can get it through Amazon Kindle or Smashwords for just £2.50. 

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

View all
Big Issue Community Roadshow arrives in Newcastle – with Womble in tow
Big Issue vendor Earl John Charlton and a womble on the streets of Newcastle
Big Community

Big Issue Community Roadshow arrives in Newcastle – with Womble in tow

Waterloo Road star James Baxter to join the Big Issue's Big Debate in Newcastle
Big Debate

Waterloo Road star James Baxter to join the Big Issue's Big Debate in Newcastle

Inside the Big Issue: AJ Odudu is watching you
Inside the Big Issue

Inside the Big Issue: AJ Odudu is watching you

Breaking barriers: Why financial and digital inclusion is vital for Big Issue vendors
Financial and digital inclusion

Breaking barriers: Why financial and digital inclusion is vital for Big Issue vendors

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know