A RETIRED teacher who became a children’s author has launched his first book of short stories for adults.

Jack Hastie, from Kilbarchan, compiled 15 short stories, inspired by his life experiences over the past quarter of a century, for his latest creation Weird Tales.

The busy grandad said: “These stories were written over the last 25 years and were in danger of being lost to posterity if I had not collected them here.

“Some are pure invention but others reflect real experiences I have had.

“Writing has always been there but it was only after I retired that I thought I would do it more and have one final career.”

One of the stories in Weird Tales, called Changelings, was inspired by a major hillwalking accident Jack was involved in with a group of friends, where he thought he was certain to die.

It happened in 1975 when he was swept into Loch Lomond at the Cailness Burn.

Jack managed to stay afloat but one of the group drowned while trying to save someone else.

Another tale features Paisley witches, while The Storyteller was inspired by a meeting in Crete in 1994.

Jack’s previous novels include Fraser’s Voices, about a boy who discovers he can speak to animals, and Viking Trails Around Largs, which focuses on three youngsters who visit the seaside town and end up meeting the Norse god Loki.

The Erskine Writer’s Group member has also written several collections of short stories for children, which were originally intended for his grandkids.

He said: “I’ve run out of grandchildren – the youngest is nearly 16.

“I’m now waiting for one of them to present me with a great-grandchild.”

Jack began writing when he was very young, inspired by his love of speedway.

He wrote poetry for inclusion in programme notes at matches featuring the Glasgow Tigers team but insists he didn’t start taking his writing career seriously until his retirement.

Weird Tales is published by Feedaread and costs £5.99.

To buy a copy, visit the website at www.feedaread.com.