Andrew Collins, a writer from Southampton, has published his latest novel, The Drowning Tide, following his third major open heart surgery. The eBook version launched in October 2025 during his early recovery, with the paperback edition released in January 2025. Collins credits the medical team at Southampton University Hospital for enabling him to complete the project.
Andrew Collins, based in Hedge End near Southampton, underwent his third major open heart surgery in August 2025 at Southampton University Hospital. Despite the procedure's severity, he remained committed to his writing. The eBook edition of his novel, The Drowning Tide, became available in October 2025, shortly after the initial stages of his recovery.
The paperback version followed in January 2025, making the book accessible on Amazon to a global audience. Collins described his determination, stating, "Despite the scale of that procedure, I remained determined to see my creative work through."
The Drowning Tide combines psychological suspense with literary elements, exploring themes of isolation, moral compromise, and human interaction with the sea. The story follows Michael, who flees to a remote Irish coastal town after his marriage collapses and becomes entangled in danger when a past crime resurfaces.
Collins expressed gratitude to the hospital staff, noting, "Their work last August gave me the recovery time I needed to finally theorize my story and see The Drowning Tide become available to a global audience on Amazon." He added, "My journey from the operating theatre to becoming a globally available author is a testament to the persistence required to navigate both a health crisis and the publishing world."
Collins shared his experience to inspire others, highlighting resilience in overcoming adversity. Note that one report mentions the paperback release as January 2026, though the primary details indicate January 2025.