-- Purchasing Information
Downloads: | | |
Publication Date: | 27 July 2011 |
Digital eBook ISBN 13: | 978-1-908548-21-4 |
Digital pdf ISBN 13: | 978-1-908382-59-7 |
eBook Price (UK): | £5.99 |
eBook Price (USA): | $9.76 |
| Based on Amazon's Kindle Store |
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-- Reviews by the Famous and well Known
I have just finished reading Jim's book, and enjoyed every word. I can sympathise with his triumphs and disasters, as we've all been through it. Jim's style of writing made it a joy to read.
Dave Dutton, Actor
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I first met Jim back in the early seventies at Oldham Rep - and I always enjoyed working with him. We've met up now and again down the years, and he always has a colorful tale to tell. This book shares many of these stories, and gives an insight to his varied career and life.
Roy Barraclough MBE, Actor
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Jim and I have been the best of pals for the past 40 years and have worked together in most fields of ‘The Business’, I found his story fascinating and learnt a lot about him I didn’t know. One of my most cherished memoriesof Jim is doing panto together. This book will be enjoyed by all readers who will find his story interesting.
David Williams, Actor
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-- Newspaper and Website Reviews
WHAT A LIFE!
The Weekly News
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WHAT A LIFE!
The Sunday Post
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WHAT A LIFE!
Tenby Observer
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WHAT A LIFE!
Rochdale Style Magazine
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WHAT A LIFE!
Oldham Evening Chronicle
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WHAT A LIFE!
Lancashire Life Magazine
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E-BOOK STORY OF JIM'S LIFE
VETERAN Bury TV actor Jim Whelan has fulfilled his latest “role” with relish after swapping the clapperboard for the keyboard.
For in just six months, after attending a senior citizens’ writing course at the town’s adult education centre, he has had his autobiography What a Life! published as an e-book.
After starting his career in the amateur theatre and repertory in Oldham, 69-year-old Jim went on to appear in some of the most iconic programmes on British television.
During the past four decades, his credits have included Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Last of the Summer Wine, Heartbeat and The Royle Family.
Additionally, he has received accolades from respected directors and has worked with such luminaries as Ray Winstone, Martin Clunes, David Tennant, Christian Bale and Rod Steiger. Jim has also had film roles in Velvet Goldmine, Snake Eyes and There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble.
Father-of-two Jim, of West Drive, has carved out something of a TV niche by cornering the market for playing men of the cloth on around half a dozen occasions.
He conducted a marriage ceremony in Emmerdale and another two in Coronation Street, including the fiery wedding of Steve and Karen McDonald.
Reflecting on his life as a jobbing actor, he said: “This was something I’d always wanted to do and the main reason why I’ve never had a proper job.
“In the early ‘60s, I was a club singer and comedian. My first TV appearance was on Family at War and then I was an extra on Coronation Street in around 1964.”
Jim was encouraged by adult education centre tutor David Willis to chronicle his life and career in words. “We’ve all got one story and I was told that I should write something about my last 50 years. I did it on a computer and the autobiography runs to 55,000 words.”
Subsequently, he got in touch with a literary agent and that helped him secure a publisher, Apex.
What a Life! is only available as an e-book on all major sites, including a kindle edition from Amazon.
Bury Times
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If you want to know what it's really like on the set of Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Britain's favourite soaps, Jim Whelan's the man to ask.
Having left school a shy lad with no qualifications and become one of the few actors to appear in Corrie in the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and Noughties, this book also proves anyone can make it if they're determined enough.
Craig Campbell, The Weekly News
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BBC Radio Lancashire 95.5 FM
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