A father and son both had novels published on the same day, earlier this month, writes Yvonne Gordon.

Paul Laffan, 42, who lives in Raynes Park, and his father, Kevin Laffan, aged 79, of Wimbledon Village, raised their glasses when their books hit the shops on November 5.

Although Virgins are in Short Supply is Kevin Laffans first novel, an excellent feat for someone who is nearly 80, he is no stranger to the written word.

Creator of TV soap Emmerdale, Mr Laffan, senior, has written more than 500 scripts for television and theatre, including Best Pair of Legs in the Business and Bertyls Lot .

He said: Yes, it is quite a coincidence that our books came out on the same day. Paul worked with me, talking through ideas with me and reading through the proofs.

When we read about Britney Spears proclaiming her virginity, that certainly set me thinking.

Mr Laffans book tells the story of Shelagh Breagh, environmental activist and daughter of the Rector of Longford Stanton, who firmly believes sex and marriage go together.

When she meets Pat Pendle, known as king of the one night stands, she finds him

attractive but rejects him.

Pat finds this a challenge and plans to see her again.

This book has a quaint feel, and is a rather black and white portrayal of the battle of the sexes.

Although some of the characters are sympathetically drawn, the basic assumption is that all men have an adolescent mentality towards sex, and most women give them what they want.

At best, the book is a light, undemanding read. It costs £7.99 and is published by

Pegasusis.

Paul Laffans 3women4, published by Bastard Books who, in their own words, print daring new literature is based on the authors own experience of therapy.

It follows John Forsters exploration of three unhappy love-affairs with his female therapist.

Mr Laffan, junior, who holds a Phd in creative writing, said the book was a Dear Diary look into the psyche based on his own experiences while teaching at university in Florida.

He said: One has to remember one is writing a novel and maintain a sense of description and story to maintain it.

I wrote it down as I experienced it and then knocked it into shape.

His first two novels were published electronically and he is currently working on a novel about London in which the underground will feature strongly.

3Women4 is a carefully crafted, condensed account of an over-analytical, sexually frustrated mans relationships.

It has a somewhat voyeuristic, disquieting feel, but maybe thats the intention.

There are some intelligent references and it makes an absorbing and provocative read.

3women4 can be downloaded from the website address www.bastardbooks.com for £4.50 or costs £5.75 on paperback.