SIX years ago Stuart Robertson took the decision to leave his job as a newspaper editor and become a stay at home dad hoping that it might allow him to pursue a career as an author.

Today his debut novel Time To Say Goodbye is in bookshops around the country and is being printed in seven different languages for distribution around the world.

"It was always my plan to write books," said Stuart, "but that was never really gong to happen while I was a journalist."

Stuart was editor of the Rossendale Free Press and had previously been deputy editor of the Accrington Observer.

"The opportunity arose to take voluntary redundancy," he said. "I owe my wife Claudia so much. She had been a stay at home mum with our daughter Kirsten who was four but she knew how much I wanted to write.

"We talked it through and and decided to swap roles. She was fortunate enough to get a job which allowed me to stay at home. She will always be my biggest supporter."

Stuart's first attempt at a novel failed to attract any interest from publishers.

"Like many first time writers I based the book on my own personal experiences," he said. "It was based on my early days as a reporter. When I kept getting knocked back I just used the whole process as a learning experience, I didn't get disheartened."

His second attempt, Time to Say Goodbye, proved much more successful with publishing giants Harper Collins signing him up to a two-book deal.

The story explores the bond between a father and daughter and Stuart, 39, admits it was partly inspired by his experience as a stay at home dad.

In the book dad Will is bringing his daughter up alone but is killed when going to pick her up from school. His love for his daughter is so strong the supernatural powers that be allow him time to watch over his daughter before he passes on to the other side.

"It took around six months to do the first draft," he said.

"I admire anyone who can finish a book and there is nothing wrong with self publishing but I wanted to make a career out of my writing and felt the traditional way was the best."

Stuart's first task was to find a literary agent.

"They are the gatekeepers of the publishing world," he said. "I was lucky to find an agent who really got the book."

Through the agent Stuart finally secured a publishing deal and then came the long process of editing.

"Having been an editor I think it was particularly hard to edit my own work," he said. "You do need a different pair of eyes to spot errors or to suggest improvements,

"You can't be too precious about it."

Time to Say Goodbye was published this week with both Tesco and Morrison's placing major orders.

"It's difficult to think that the moment has finally arrived," said Stuart. "I'm sure I'll be going round bookshops looking for it on the shelves."

Stuart, who lives in Helmshore, said that his decision to quit his job and become a stay at home dad was a decision he'd never regret.

"It has allowed me to become a writer," he said, "but also I have had the opportunity to spend so much time with Kirsten. When I was working I'd hardly see her as she'd be in bed when I got home. Now we have a great family life.

"Even today it is still pretty unusual for dads to stay at home but I think there should be more opportunities for this."

Time to Say Goodbye by S D Robertson is out this week. Stuart will be reading from the book as part of World Book Day on Thursday, March 3 at Accrington Library at 3pm and Rawtenstall Library at 7.30pm.