17/4/2007

A Welsh author has published his first book at the age of 90. Former National Eisteddfod Organiser for north Wales, John Roberts, says his book started as a hobby to pass the time.

Yr Helygen Gam (The Crooked Willow) is a volume of short stories spanning almost a century of life experiences, such as 'Bodlas Bach,' with its references to Woodbines, which bring to life a bygone age. And terrorist movements of modern times appear in 'Ble Mae Liam'.

John Roberts has been an avid competitor in literary competitions, winning a number, and some of this work is included in the book, such as the title story, 'Yr Helygen Gam' which was awarded in the Short Story Competition at the
Denbighshire National Eisteddfod in 2001.

Says John, "I've always enjoyed writing, even when I was very young, although then it was mainly articles and essays. Saying that, I do remember winning first prize at the Inter-collegiate Eisteddfod in 1946-7. I actually came across the winning piece a
few months ago, not my best work I have to admit!"

"The stories in this book are ones which have been written over a period of twenty years or so, and came about after I heard or saw something that fired my imagination. But I never dreamt they'd be published!"

So what is it like seeing his work in bookshops all over the country?

"It's a wonderful experience I have to say, especially for an amateur like me!"

Yr Helygen Gam

John Roberts

Gwasg y Bwthyn, £6.00

ISBN: 1-904845-49-5