A BUDDING author has thanked everyone who supported him now that his debut novel has hit the shelves.

Ian Skewis, who grew up in Dumbarton, said it hasn't sunk in that his book 'A Murder of Crows' has now been published and is available for people to order.

Ian started writing the book on and off in 1989 when he lived in Dumbarton and after the book was accepted by a publisher he set about trying to raise the funds for editing, copy editing, illustrating and marketing the book.

He had to raise around £3,500 in three months to ensure that his hard work came to fruition and set up a crowdfunding page asking family, friends and even strangers for support.

Ian said: "Crowdfunding was a job in itself. Some of the requirements are the marketing work such as sending e-mails every day, going on Facebook to appeal for assistance, and working on new initiatives to get the message across.

"Family and friends were the first to support me and I was grateful for them getting me up and running but then I had to rely on the kindness of strangers.

"Actor Sam Heughan, who I knew from acting donated and then fans of his started to donate money also. Then Dr Brooke Magnanti, who is quoted on the front of the book kindly donated.

"I even got a very generous donation from someone I didn't know in America.

"It was amazing to see so many people support me and I am so grateful."

Ian managed to raise all the money necessary just two days before his three months were up.

Publishers Unbound books, owned by John Mitchison, who writes the questions for the TV show IQ, were originally only going to produce a digital copy of the book, which Ian was delighted with.

One of the things on Ian's bucket list was to have a paperback book, so when the publishers told him they were set to produce a paperback version, he was over the moon.

Ian said: "It's a really nice surprise to see it in paper form, it's a dream come true.

"I found out long after I had raised the money. It seems that they had been quietly working away at producing a paperback line in order to give the writers a better opportunity to do book signings and events.

"It came as a complete surprise and it was finally confirmed in November after months of rumours!"

The novel, which is a crime thriller, is set in a fictional village on the west coast, somewhere near Dumbarton, where Ian attended Aitkenbar Primary and lived in the Bellsmyre area growing up.

He said: "It's really dark, haunting and atmospheric. It verges on supernatural, horror territory and mentions Dumbarton and Glasgow. It's a different type of crime thriller and I am looking forward to the feedback, I'm interested to see if people get it.

"The feedback i've had so far has been great and the ending was a surprise for many people so far.

"I am grateful for everyones help and thankful for their support. I am already working on a probable sequel."