He wrote 39 books using the name W. Riley, mostly fiction and mostly published by Herbert Jenkins Ltd. After an education at Bradford Grammar School he entered his father's business in textiles, but two years later the firm diversified and William led the innovative new business in the sale of magic lantern slides and equipment.The business was successful until 1914, when, with the onset of World War I, it failed: Riley then developed a second career as a writer, having already published Windyridge.[1]: 101–2 In 1919 he moved to Silverdale, Lancashire for the sake of his wife's health, and named his house, 8 Wallings Lane, Windyridge after his novel.[2] In his autobiography, Sunset Reflections (1957), he recalls tales of life in Silverdale, where amongst other activities he was chair of the Building Committee for the Gaskell Memorial Hall.[3] Shortly before his death Riley donated his manuscript of Windyridge to Leeds Central Library.
Gravestone of Willie Riley and his first wife Clara at Silverdale
Plaque in the rear porch of Silverdale Methodist Church
