FOR Tracy Traynor living with dyslexia meant writing a book was something that was beyond her wildest dreams.

However, that far away ambition has now become a reality after publishing her story Idi and the Oracle's Quest.

Tracy, 54, was not allowed to take French at school because she could not speak English due to her learning difficulties.

Her first job was washing dishes before she became a chamber maid because they were roles which didn't involve writing.

However, Tracy who is now mum to four grown-up boys and a finance manager, after she went to college at 40 to do accountancy exams, has turned her life around.

She has published her book which centres on Idi, short for 'idiot' a young outcast devalued by society but through his exciting adventures learns that he has far more promise than he ever thought he had, a story inspired from Tracy's own life story.

And the book, which is around 240 pages, is the first of a planned trilogy about Idi.

"Writing wasn't something I thought I would do and I didn't start until almost 24 years ago," said Tracy, from Newton-le-Willows.

"I did it just for myself, I didn't think anyone would really read it. It was so full of mistakes.

"When my boys started school at home we got a PC and I realised I could write on the computer and use spellchecker so I thought I could have another go. I still didn't think it was good enough for anyone."

However, Tracy says she was given another motivation to get her first book published.

"I joined a writing group on Facebook and met a guy called David," she said.

"He pushed me to do it and sent me a private message and said he had six months to live and wanted to read it before he died.

"He passed away last year and I'm so grateful to him. One of the last conversations I had with him I asked him did you read it and he just laughed and said I read it three times. I'll never forget him."

Tracy added: "The feeling of having the book in my hand was absolutely amazing, it was just wonderful.

"It's all about the power of words, I call it magic. I believe that if you say to a child you're stupid that stays in them but if you say well done it changes their whole outlook. I really believe words are so powerful."

Tracy's book is available on Amazon and also at The Studio hairdressers in Earlestown where copies will go on display.