Thursday 25 February 2016

Meet Kate Glanville


Kate Glanville was born in West Africa to Irish. Kate now lives in the village of Bethlehem on the edge on The Brecon Beacons National Park with her three children, four cats, a crazy dog, a rabbit and three sheep . She graduated with a degree in fashion design at Central St. Martins and worked in the textile industry before becoming a ceramic artist. Kate's tableware designs have been sold in shops and galleries all over the world including Liberty, Conran Shop, Fortnum & Masons and Fired Earth. Among her many customers Kate has produced ceramics for The Prince of Wales, Madonna, Roger Daltry and Robbie Williams. Despite a successful career as a visual artist Kate has been writing stories since the age of eight! A Perfect Home (published in 2012 by Penguin US under the name Kitty Glanville)and Heartstones are her first two novels, both published by Accent Press in the UK and in Germany and Norway. Stargazing is published by Accent in the UK in 2016 and also in Germany. Kate is currently working on her fourth novel.
https://www.facebook.com/kateglanvilleauthor/?ref=hl
website www.kateglanville.com
Kate will also attend the Llandeilo Book Fair 2016
https://www.facebook.com/Llandeilo-Book-Fair-2016-428923113964907

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Refreshments at the Llandeilo Book Fair 2016 by Caffi lechyd Da

I'm delighted to announce that the refreshments at Llandeilo Book Fair will be provided by
Caffi Iechyd Da from Carmarthen 



Their food is delicious organic, vegetarian with GF & Vegan options

and the caffe is host to Carmarthen Storytelling events

https://www.facebook.com/carmarthenstorytelling/




Meet Wendy Steele

Meet Wendy Steele who is another confirmed participant of The Llandeilo Book Fair on Sat April 30th.  

Welcome Wendy! First up, please tell us about your connection to Wales.

I fell in love with Wales 15 years ago on our first family holiday to the area and my partner and I followed our dream to live here, arriving in August 2013. We lived in a tent for a couple of months while our purchase went through and finally moved into two rooms of our dilapidated farmhouse in November 2013. Upstairs is still not liveable but at least we have a roof, rather than a piece of flimsy tin!

Tell us a little about yourself as writer and as person.
In 1972, I came home from the Tutankhamun exhibition in London and wrote a poem. I haven’t stopped writing about my experiences ever since. My first piece of paid writing was in The Dancing Times after attending my first belly dance workshops, an article about a beginner taking her first steps on her dance journey.
I trained in alternative therapies, belly dance and writing and published my first novel ‘Destiny of Angels – First book in the Lilith Trilogy’ in 2012, closely followed by two short story anthologies and a non-fiction book ‘Wendy Woo’s Year – A Pocketful of Smiles’, an inspirational guide, offering ideas, meditations and recipes to make every precious day, a happy one. The Welsh countryside inspired me to begin The Standing Stone book series about the lives of three women, linked across time and space by the standing stone.
I’ve joined a writing group, The Cwrtnewydd Scribblers, and writing workshops in Wales have widened my writing perspective. The resulting short stories have been published online and in anthologies.Wrath of Angels Cover PROOF V1
Why did you decide to write in your chosen genre(s)?
Having been brought up in a Christian household but finding no connection with the church in my adult life, I read widely on spirituality, gathering together an eclectic mix of beliefs and understanding. The magic of the amazing world we live in was always dear to me as I talked to the moon as a child so writing fantasy, especially magical realism was a way to share, opening up a different world to readers.
Tell us about the concept behind your book(s).
The concept behind all my stories is ‘What if…?’ In the Lilith Trilogy, what if a traumatic childhood experience sent a woman on a different life path? Gifted, beautiful and wealthy and with a rapport with Lilith, the Dark Goddess, Angel and her friends confront the perpetrators of her misery, offering them the opportunity of redemption. While the Standing Stone series was inspired by, what if the power of ancient stone was not only linked in the present but across time and space, how would three different women’s lives be aided by their interaction with the Goddesses of the Land?
What is your life like outside of writing?
Aside from writing, I’ve been teaching belly dance for 8 years, beginning with traditional Egyptian dance before I found my true calling to American Tribal Style® Belly Dance. I danced with Tribal Unity in Essex for four years before moving to Wales and I’ve been teaching classes here since March 2014. As a chubby child, labelled ‘fairy elephant’, I came to dance late in life but relish every day I have the opportunity to teach or perform.
Renovating our Grade II listed farmhouse and byre requires physical perseverance as we remove concrete slapped on walls and restore the stone with traditional lime mortar. Dealing with the planning department at the council, as well as CADW, the listed building organisation in Wales, has proved time consuming and frustrating but we take small steps forward each month towards our dream home.
What are you working on now?  Standing Stone Home For Christmas Cover drop shadow
As 2016 begins, I’m spinning an alarming number of plates! The third Standing Stone book, ‘The Gathering’ is in the process of final edits and I hope to have it available for the Llandeilo Book Fair in April. My target to produce a new short story each week is being met and having had a number published online and in anthologies, I’m working on one of my own, highlighting the strength, resilience and power of women. The first four sections of the third book in the Lilith Trilogy, Angels and Demons, are undergoing rewrites and my plan is to finish the trilogy by the end of the year.
What are the best and the worst aspects of writing?
The best part of writing is sitting in my dressing gown with my fountain pen and a pad of paper and letting my stories develop on the page. As a ‘non-techy’ the worst part is organising promotion, as I wander blindly through the intricacies and ever changing landscape of social media.
What is your favourite book?
Choosing one favourite book is impossible! I reach for different genres, depending on my mood. Dion Fortune’s books take me on magical journeys while the late Sir Terry Pratchett, is comfort reading, especially books about Granny Weathwax and Nanny Ogg. For historical journeys, I’ve enjoyed your books, Christoph and love anything about the early history of Britain, from the Stone age, through Roman and Viking invasions, to William the Conqueror and beyond.all the books
What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?
I’m reading ‘Your Faery Magic’ by Halo Quin on my kindle at the moment, alongside ‘Moon Magic’ in paperback while also dipping into ‘The Hedgerow Handbook’ by Adele Nozedar, with a view to foraging herbs and fruit for syrups, cordials and baking.
How do you handle criticism of your work?
Book reviews are so important to a writer. It’s sad about Amazon’s heavy handed approach to removing reviews they deem illegitimate as this puts readers off from reviewing. I take all criticism,  think about it and then analyse its relevance. Not every reader is going to enjoy my writing. The reviews I received for ‘Destiny of Angels’ were invaluable. Some highlighted ‘point of view’ issues that I was able to rectify while writing ‘Wrath of Angels’, the second book.
Thanks for stopping by Wendy. Here is a list of Wendy’s books:
Destiny of Angels (First book in the Lilith Trilogy)Wrath of Angels Cover PROOF V1
Traumatic events in her childhood, send Angel Parsons upon a different life path.
Fifteen years later, with the help of her new ‘family’ and the resurrected relationship with Jenny Parkes, her only friend from school, Angel confronts the perpetrators of her misery. Rather than seeking revenge and to free herself from her past, Angel uses the skills she has acquired to offer her persecutors the chance of redemption.
Will Angel fulfil her destiny and put her past behind her or will the demons she unleashes consume herself and her ‘family’ and leave her empty and alone once more?
Wrath of Angels (Second book in the Lilith Trilogy)
Angel Parsons – wife, lover, entrepreneur and witch – is back and though she strives to put her past behind her, Lilith the Dark Goddess has other ideas.
Angel has the power at her finger tips. The choice is hers. Will she evoke her wrath to take her revenge on Lilith or will she summon nature’s forces and the strongest emotion on earth to put right the wrongs of the Dark Goddess?
The Standing Stone – Home for Christmas
Rachel arrives in Wales to begin a new life but will Marcus jeopardise their future together before it’s begun?
Candy knows the punishment for leaving Station 23 unguarded. Will she succeed in convincing Paul to obey the Lesson?
Fern loves her life in the village but when the Tall Folk arrive with metal working skills, will her peace be shattered forever?
Though distanced by time and space, three women find the Standing Stone and the teachings of the Great Mother, Binah.
Wendy Woo’s Year – A Pocketful of Smiles 101 ideas for a happy year and a happy you

all the books
Once upon a time, two eleven year old girls made a pact of friendship. One left school at sixteen while the other stayed on to study. The friendship remained. One went abroad while the other stayed at home. Years passed, marriage and children followed and the friendship continued to flourish via letters and video messages.
After twenty nine years the girls were reunited and the friendship sparked with renewed love and affection. Three months later, one friend was diagnosed with cancer. Nine months later, she died.
I was the girl who lived and I made a promise to live my life for two and make sure that every day included a smile in memory of my beautiful friend.
It isn’t easy and I don’t claim to hold the key to a life of everlasting happiness but the ideas in ‘A Pocketful of Smiles’ are used or have been used by me and have brought smiles and happiness to my life.
‘A Pocketful of Smiles’ is about being happy, irrespective of the challenges life brings.
‘A Pocketful of Smiles’ is often practical, sometimes spiritual but never religious, occasionally witty and full of ideas to bring a smile to your day.

Saturday 20 February 2016

Meet Sharon Tregenza

This is a re-blog from https://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/2015/11/11/welsh-wednesdays-interview-with-sharon-tregenza/
to introduce participant Sharon Tregenza. Sharon will hold a writing workshop at the Llandeilo Book Fair for young children and their parents. To secure a space, please comment or use any of the other ways to contact us.

Welcome to Welsh Wednesdays and my interview with Sharon Tregenza. Thank you for participating, Sharon.
download (1)
You’re welcome, Christoph. Thank you for the opportunity.
First up, please tell us about your connection to Wales.
I lived on the Llyn Penensula for two years and then moved to Pembrokeshire – for seven. I loved living in Pembs – it reminded me of my native Cornwall. I did my first MA (in creative writing) at Trinity St Davids and made some great writing friends there. My last book “the Shiver Stone” is set in Saundersfoot.
Tell us a little about yourself as writer and as a person.
As a writer? I’ve loved writing since I was a kid. As an adult I began writing stories for magazines and particularly enjoyed the children’s writing. It was fun and I enjoyed the freedom to play with words. A book was a natural progression and when my debut novel won the Kelpies award I was hooked.
As a person? I’m a happy soul with two amazing grown up children, two grandchildren and a spectacular array of interesting friends. I live in a converted chapel on the top of a hill with a demented yorkie called Reilly.
Tell us about the concept behind your books. COVER PIC
I’ve always been a fan of magical realism and mystery. I bring that to my children’s novels. Quirkiness too – I like to play against stereotype. I use the mythical quality so prevalent in Wales to enhance the story too.
Which Welsh person would you like to invite for dinner and what would you serve?
Could I have a few? I’d sit Anthony Hopkins next to me so that I could wallow in that beautiful voice. Tom Jones could tell us some of his celebrity stories – bet he’s got some good ‘uns. Rhys Ifans for the comedy value and Katherine Jenkins could sing. Should be quite a night.
I’d serve them a big pot of gumbo and plenty of wine.  I could make the gumbo in advance and then enjoy their company
Who is your favourite Welsh author?
Dead – Howard Spring.
Alive – either Owen Sheers or Ken Follett.11218890_10152946036777132_6610857214868287538_n
What are you working on now? 
My publisher, Firefly Press, is currently editing another children’s mystery of mine called “The Jewelled Jaguar” so I’m waiting to see the edits on that. Also my agent has sent out a picture book. I’ve started another mystery too. Oh, and I’m rejigging a trilogy of chapter books for younger children. As you can tell I enjoy working on several projects at once.
What is your favourite book?
Oh dear. You might wish you’d never asked me that. I rabbit on to anyone who’ll listen about this book I love it so much. It’s “Holes” by Louis Sachar. I ADORE it. It’s a master class in layering and control and suspense in the best possible way. It expertly combines myth, mystery and modern drama. It’s the book I wish I’d written. If you haven’t already read it – please do. Okay enough…
What book are you currently reading and in what format:
I’m reading Jon Ronson’s “The Men Who Stare At Goats” I think he takes quirky to a whole new intelligent level. Love his work. And as to how I read – I have to admit, although I’ve got a kindle and use it on holiday, I prefer the tactile, corner-folding friendliness of the paperback.pic
What is your advice to new writers?
I think this is the easiest question – it’s “Don’t give up”. Simply that. Don’t give up. Here’s a cutesy owl meme to say it better than I can.



BIO: download (2)Sharon Tregenza was born and grew up in Penzance, Cornwall. She travelled widely with her husband and two children living for many years in Cyprus and the Middle East where she worked in the American School of Dubai before returning to the UK to study at the University of Bristol.
After moving to Pembrokeshire she completed her MA in Creative Writing at the University of Wales – Trinity St David.  More recently she acquired a second MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University.
Her debut children’s novel TARANTULA TIDE won the Kelpies Award and the Heart of Hawick Prize. Her second book THE SHIVER STONE is published by Firefly Press.
Sharon now lives, and writes, in a converted chapel in the village of Box, just outside of the historic city of Bath.

The Shiver Stone is available on Amazon and in all good book shops.
Facebook: sharontregenzabooks
Twitter: sharontregenza

Thursday 18 February 2016

CYSTADLEUAETH STORI FER

CYSTADLEUAETH STORI FER –
Ydych chi’n mwynhau ysgrifennu?
Hoffech chi ennill “Kindle Fire”
Neu gacen “Heavenly” neu dalebau llyfrau?
Do you enjoy writing?
Would you like to win a "Kindle Fire"
Or "Heavenly" cake or book vouchers?



Mae Ffair Lyfrau Llandeilo yn chwilio am storiwyr ifanc creadigol o dan 15 oed.
Llandeilo Book Fair looking for creative young storytellers under the age of 15


Ysgrifenwch stori fer tua 500 o eiriau o hyd, a’i hanfon ynghŷd eich manylion cyswllt at
Gurrey Manor
Gurrey Banc
Llandeilo SA19 6AJ
Write a short story about 500 words in length, and send it along with your contact details to…

Cynhelir seremoni’r enillydd yn Ffair Lyfrau Llandeilo
Ar y 30ain o Ebrill am 12:30 o’r gloch

Winner ceremony will be held in Llandeilo Book Fair on April 30th at 12:30 pm

Tuesday 16 February 2016


Llandeilo Book Fair 2016,
to be held on Saturday April 30th 2016
at Llandeilo Fawr Civic Hall Trust, Llandeilo
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Crescent Road, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire SA19 6HN
A staggering total of 24 exquisite writers from a wide range of genres will exhibit their work, host individual events, sign books and will be available to talk with you about their books. The fair is not a trade show for publishers and industry but a cosy and intimate showcase of writing talent, covering a wide range of genres and with the vast majority of participants from South Wales and Carmarthenshire.
The programme includes readings for children and adults, talks, workshops, a Panel of published writers answering questions of aspiring writers, the Award ceremony of our short story competition and a Raffle in aid of the Air Ambulance.
https://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/2016/02/17/welsh-wednesdays-llandeilo-book-fair-2016-programme-and-participants/

Workshop Participation

Programme Notice:

Our two workshops are proving to be very popular already. Spaces, however, are limited due to space restrictions.
To avoid disappointment You can to book your FREE space
by commenting here, messaging the page https://www.facebook.com/Llandeilo-Book-Fair-2016-428923113964907 or via email

Workshops

Judith Barrow (for adults) about building characters in short stories and novels
As well as talking about how to form characters, Judith will have handouts, and there'll be short writing exercises. Around half and hour to three quarters in duration.

Sharon Tregenza: a fun, interactive workshop with games for parents and younger children which would include prizes.

Wednesday 10 February 2016

YOUTH SHORT STORY COMPETITION – CALL FOR ENTRIES

YOUTH SHORT STORY COMPETITION – CALL FOR ENTRIES
CYSTADLEUAETH STORI FER – GALWAD AM ENWEBIADAU
Do you enjoy writing? Are you 15 years old or younger?
Would you like to win a Kindle Fire, a cake from Heavenly Chocolate or a Book Voucher?
Ydych chi’n mwynhau Ysgrifennu? Ydych chi o dan 15?
Hoffech chi ennill Tân Chyneua,
siocled cacen o Heavenly, Dalebau Llyfrau?
Prize
If so, write a short story of about 500 words and send it to
Os felly,ysgrifennu stori fer o ua 500 o eiriau a’i hanfon at:
Gurrey Manor
Gurrey Banc, Llandeilo
Carmarthenshire SA19 6AJ
by April 15th.
erbyn Ebrill 15
The winning ceremony will be held at the Llandeilo Book Fair at the Civic Hall in Llandeilo on Saturday April 30th at 12:30
Bydd y seremoni yn cael ei chynnal buddugol yn Ffair Lyfrau Llandeilo yn y Neuadd Ddinesig yn Llandeilo ar ddydd Sadwrn 30 Ebrill 12 30
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