A marketing and communications specialist from Brentwood has just had his third novel published.

Paul Hutchings, who works at Ford in Great Warley, has released The Coconuts of Mars, which tells the story of Gilbert Drake, a depressed man who is about to embark on a manned mission to Mars when he is mysteriously thrust upon a desert island with nothing but his clothing. Initially taken hostage by primitive tribesmen, he undergoes a personal transformation and discovers friendship, confidence, freedom and love.

Mr Hutchings was inspired to write the book by a trip to south-east Asia in 2004 when he canoed with a friend to a deserted island that was covered in coconut palms and created the game ‘coconut bowling’.

He said: “We are all controlled by the ticking clock and who among us have not said they would like more time. Most of us go about our daily races on autopilot, trudging through life with a sigh and hopes of a better life.

“All of us would love to have that freedom and happiness and deep down, we all like a Robinson Crusoe fantasy.

“This book is not meant to bring people down though, it is a light-hearted adventure that hopefully hits with joy prevailing.”

Mr Hutchings has previously published two novels, which form the first chapters of a science fiction space opera series. He is currently writing another fantasy adventure novel set around ancient Greek mythology.

The Coconuts of Mars is published by AuthorHouse UK and is available on Amazon.