The below Photographs are courtesy of photographer Natasha Hirst. For more information about Natasha please visit her blog here: www.natashahirstblog.co.uk

Freshly printed copies of Black River in Waterstones.

Film and TV star, Mark Lewis Jones, and up and coming Swansea actor, Ross Leyshon, pose for pictures.

A moment of organisation before we begin.

Martin Shipton, Chief Reporter of the Western Mail, and I pose for a photo. Martin’s my guest speaker.

Writer and film director, Karl Francis, talks to Martin Shipton before the event gets underway.

Writer and film director, Karl Francis, talks to Martin Shipton before the event gets underway.



A light moment with Ross and Mark before the speeches and dramatic readings begin.

Friend and poet, Clare Potter, has a cup of tea as Mark and Ross discuss last minute details in the background.

My nephew, Tommy.


My mum.



Mark Lewis Jones in character as Harry Roberts.

Mark brings Harry to life.

Ross does a terrific job of playing the role of Julian, a trainee reporter at the Echo.


Phil Carradice, writer and my mentor on the Literature Wales Mentorship Scheme.


The readings and speeches going down well.

Questions and answers.

Conrad Carter about to ask why does it takes so long to write a book. Re-writes!


A quick pause for a photo.

Good feedback!

Old friends, Zoe and Emma.

In the queue: Chris Mayers of MLMC, friend of the family Liz Pendleton, my writing pal Bob Davies, Christine O’Brien and Natalie Harvey of Martyn Prowel Solicitors.

Rachel Carney, book blogger and reviewer.


Mark Lewis Jones before event starts.

Mark and Ross.

Martin Shipton runs through his speech one last time.

My opening talk.

I lead the applause for my guests.
Professional photographer Tracey Paddison was also at the launch and took some amazing pictures, of which she has compiled the best to make a sort of ‘launch story’. See these photos for yourself here: https://spark.adobe.com/page/FzOSHdQoQfG1m/