Paul Wardle

Paul Wardle was born in 1970 and grew up on the Crabtree Farm Estate in Bulwell, Nottingham. Raised in a working-class community during the 1970s and 1980s, his early life was shaped by family traditions, humour, and the everyday experiences of growing up in Nottinghamshire. Beneath the surface, however, he was also navigating personal struggles that would take many years to fully understand.

After decades of life’s ups and downs — including battles with addiction, mental health challenges, and periods of deep personal reflection — Paul eventually found the courage to tell his story. His debut memoir, Paul – Used To Be A Sweet Boy, traces that journey with honesty, warmth, and humour.

The book was written following an unexpected turning point during the Covid-19 lockdown, when Paul formed an unlikely friendship with the internationally respected portrait photographer and filmmaker Alistair Morrison. Their conversations and friendship encouraged Paul to begin sharing his story publicly, ultimately leading to the writing of his memoir. Morrison later wrote the foreword to the book.

Although Paul had to give up work due to ill health, he continues to stay involved in his local community, including volunteering with the local council whenever he is able. He also continues to write and has developed a growing interest in short fiction. Some of his short stories have been featured in anthologies published by the Nottingham Writers' Studio.

More recently, his fiction has appeared in the anthology 21st Century Intolerant: A Collection of Short Stories About the Struggles of Modern Life, published by Sonder Books and available on Amazon.

Through his writing, Paul hopes to connect with readers who may have faced their own struggles, reminding them that they are not alone and that it is never too late to find hope, understanding, and a way forward.

Paul has one son, Paul Wardle-King, and continues to live in Bulwell, Nottinghamshire.