Eric Brady

Hey there! I'm Eric Brady, and I have a confession: I'm completely obsessed with the magic that happens when you throw a bunch of strangers together on a long journey. (There's just something about being stuck on a coach with people you've never met that brings out the most fascinating stories, don't you think?)

I came to writing later in life, after spending decades working in tourism and travel. Those years weren't wasted though – they were research in disguise! I've seen firsthand how a simple coach trip can turn into an adventure that changes lives. Every tour I've ever led or been part of has been a masterclass in human nature, complete with drama, romance, and those precious moments of connection that catch you completely off guard.

My debut novel, "That Wonderful Coach Trip" (2013), was born from all those experiences. It's the story I'd been carrying around in my head for years, watching countless passengers board my coaches with their hopes, dreams, and hidden agendas. There's something incredibly special about throwing together World War II veterans reliving their past alongside starry-eyed teenagers chasing their theatrical dreams. (And yes, many of the characters are inspired by real people I've met – though I'll never tell who's who!)

I write what I like to call "life intersection stories" – tales where different generations, backgrounds, and ambitions collide in unexpected ways. My characters aren't perfect Instagram-worthy heroes and heroines. They're real people, like the ones you'd meet on any journey: sometimes grumpy, often funny, occasionally profound, and always genuine. I love exploring how a simple coach trip to Austria can become a catalyst for life-changing decisions and unexpected connections.

When I'm not writing, you'll usually find me planning my next travel adventure or chatting with coach drivers at service stations (they have the BEST stories, trust me). I still work part-time in the travel industry because I can't quite give up that front-row seat to human nature in action. Plus, it's amazing research for future books! (My notebook is always with me, and yes, if you've been on one of my tours, you might just recognize a tiny bit of yourself in my next novel...)

My writing style? Well, I believe in keeping it real. No over-the-top melodrama or unrealistic coincidences (okay, maybe just a few – life is full of them, after all!). I focus on the small moments that make up big changes: the conversation that sparks a romance, the shared memory that heals an old wound, or the chance encounter that leads to a whole new life direction.

To my readers: expect stories that feel like you're right there on that coach, watching the countryside roll by as lives intertwine in ways nobody could have predicted. I write about hope, second chances, and the kind of connections that only seem to happen when you're far from home. There's usually a good dose of humor (because have you ever been on a long coach trip without at least one funny incident?), a splash of romance, and always, always, a reminder that it's never too late to start a new chapter in your life.

I'm not the most prolific author out there (quality over quantity, right?), but I pour my heart into every story I tell. When I'm not writing or touring, I'm probably in my garden in Somerset, planning the next adventure or jotting down ideas for future books. My wife says I have more notebooks than any one person needs, but I say you never know when inspiration will strike!

So if you enjoy stories about real people finding themselves (and each other) in unexpected places, or if you've ever wondered what really goes on during those long coach journeys across Europe, my books might be just your cup of tea. And speaking of tea – it's probably time for mine. The kettle's calling!

(P.S. If you've ever been on a coach tour, I'd love to hear your stories. The best ones might just make it into my next book – with names changed to protect the innocent, of course!)