A Cumbrian author who wrote an acclaimed book about cold water swimming is celebrating the release of her debut novel.
Cockermouth’s Sara Barnes has seen The Winter of Our Lives published by One More Chapter, the digital arm of HarperCollins.
The novel is inspired by Barnes’ exploration of the world of wild swimming which she previously captured in her book The Cold Fix.
Her latest book, which is set in the north west Lake District, explores many of the themes she has written about in her work on cold water swimming or ‘dipping’.
She summed up the premise of the novel to the News & Star.
“Take three menopausal wild swimmers who need to find a man,” she said.
“Not any old man, but one who is prepared to dip his bits in very cold water...
“It is ostensibly a romantic novel, about falling back in love with yourself and life as you grow older.
“My editor likened it in places to Wintering by Katherine May, and I also wanted to inject elements of humour and spice into it because, even as we grow older, we need both those things in our lives.
“The trigger was my own experience of trying to find a man to join my team of three women to swim in a mixed relay team at the Inaugural Scottish Winter Swimming Championships.
“I used this ploy to hang the various themes of the book on – it was a vehicle to carry the plot, characters and my messages.”
Barnes’ 2022 book The Cold Fix was an intimate account of overcoming physical and emotional pain after major leg surgery.
She also interviewed people from the cold water swimming community from across the world as she explored deeply the practice and its benefits.
“The motivation behind both my books has been the word ‘desire’, she added Sara.
“In The Cold Fix it was the burning desire to get back into the outdoors in some form of physical activity, and as soon as [I] realised you don’t need strong legs to dip and swim, [I] felt relief and a sense of freedom.
“A desire to rekindle love in all its forms was the motivation and driving force behind writing The Winter of Our Lives.
“We all want to desire and be desired as we grow older, it is a basic human need.
“We may lose our body confidence, find ourselves single because of divorce or bereavement, but why does that mean we have to disappear into beige and become a lesser version of ourselves?”
Barnes says the novel is “aimed squarely at both men and women” and “doesn’t hold back on describing what it feels like to be struggling with symptoms of the menopause, or to feel the weight of guilt when you should be feeling grief”.
The Cumbrian writer believes cold-water immersion unlocked her creative spirit, and The Cold Fix sold out within four months of publication, having also been shortlisted in the World Open Water Swimming Association awards.
Barnes, who has also appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour this year, is holding several events in Cumbria in connection with her new book.
A book signing will take place at Low Sizergh Barn this Saturday, December 16, from 11am to 1pm.
An author talk and book signing will follow at The New Bookshop in Cockermouth on Thursday, February 1 at 7pm (contact the store for tickets).
And another talk and signing will take place at Verey Books at Pooley Bridge on Wednesday, March 20 at 7pm – contact the shop for tickets.
The Winter of Our Lives (£9.99) can be bought directly from the publishers or from a range of local and online outlets.
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