Existing and prospective book group members will be meeting in Narberth on Sunday, in an event designed to bring together people from across Pembrokeshire and beyond who share a love of literature. The event is being led by a Pembrokeshire book group formed several years ago by Jo Furnival-Doran, of Cosheston, whose parents were both writers. Member Michele Ryan said the idea came about because of the number of people who had expressed an interest in joining existing groups. "Most existing groups aren't keen to expand numbers beyond a certain point for practical reasons and also because discussion can be difficult when there are too many people involved,' said Michele, a lecturer and former film director who lives in Jameston. "We felt a social gathering would be a good way of bringing people together who are not in a group but who would like to be and also for existing groups to share ideas.' The event at the Queen's Hall will feature authors, publishers and book stalls. Cardiganshire-born Sian James, twice winner of the Yorkshire Post Prize and author of 11 novels, has agreed to travel from her home in Worcestershire to speak at the event. One of her books of short stories, 'Not Singing Exactly' won the Arts Council of Wales's Book of the Year Award in 1997. She has taught creative writing on the MA course at the University of Glamorgan. In July 2001, she received a fellowship from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and in July 2002, a doctorate from the University of Glamorgan. Another speaker will be Pembrokeshire author Brian John. Mr. John lives on a smallholding near Newport and for the last 27 years he has made his living as a writer and publisher. He has published hundreds of articles and about 60 books. He is currently working on a series of novels, The Angel Mountain Saga. The talks will be followed by a question and answer session and an opportunity for people to discuss books they have read. An entry fee of £3 will be charged to cover the running costs and light refreshments will be available. The event will begin at 3 pm with the main events getting underway an hour later.
