Celtic Connections ~ Literary Event at #Conwy Library @JanRuthAuthor @GillyHamer #Books #wwwblogs

Conwy library recently hosted two local authors, Jan Ruth and Gillian Hamer.

After an introduction by Tracey Mylechraine-Payne, head librarian in charge at Conwy, Jan and Gillian talked about their books, the inspirations and passions which motivate and compel them to write.

Jan and Gillian’s books are set in North Wales and Anglesey but differ in subject matter. Jan’s books are contemporary and very much character driven with family and relationship issues, the landscape featuring vividly, while Gillian’s writing incorporates history, the paranormal and murder mysteries, again with beautiful backdrops.

Jan read passages from her books Silver Rain, a compelling family drama, and Dark Water, the second book in the Wild Water trilogy which features an element of crime and veers into the darker side of human nature.

Gillian also read from her books Crimson Shore, the first story in The Gold Detectives series, and The Charter, a story based on the Royal Charter which was wrecked off the north-east coast of Anglesey in 1859.

Gillian and Jan then discussed their publishing journeys and how the notion that self published books are inferior is still prevalent, unfairly so. After much frustration and disappointment, they both made the decision, with no regrets, to stick with self publishing.

After which there was an informal chat, questions were asked, books discussed and bought ~~and several glasses of wine consumed.~~ All in all a very pleasant and informative afternoon.