Damian Lewis is an Aussie larrikin who decided to put his feet up in Bulgaria 10 years ago. He generally drinks too much, smokes too much and is, on the whole, lazy. Luckily for him, his Bulgarian wife, Stella, not only delivered him two amazing sons, but admirably carries the financial burden of looking after a third adult son.

Having witnessed Damian fully enjoying eight years of slovenly bliss, Stella became increasingly agitated at what she saw as a husband who was taking advantage of her generosity. She lived in hope that one day he would do the decent thing and contribute something to the family apart from his witty charm. The three options she presented him with at the time were: get a paid job; occasionally undertake household cleaning duties; or provide a better suggestion.

Two years later, after countless beers, cigarettes and afternoon siestas, Damian humbly handed Chess Gypsie to Stella. The future of Damian (and, indeed, Boris) is in your hands.

Send Damian an email at boristhegypsie@gmail.com and tell him what you think he should do: clean the house; get a job; or keep writing more about Boris. All meaningful emails will receive a free electronic copy of the second in the Gypsie series, Military Gypsie, which will be released in June 2017.