This week, we launched two books with a buzzing event at the Roath Park Pub in Cardiff: debut novel Leading to Texas-2 by Aled Smith, and Richard Gwyn's anticipated The Blue Tent.
The event started with a brilliant set of readings from author Aled Smith, and we got to hear the brilliant, dark, often hilarious style of valleys-set Leading to Texas-2.
Next we were treated to a signature performance from guest author Lloyd Markham, reading from his award winning novel Bad Ideas/Chemical, and self-accompanied by suitably eerie sound effects.
Finally, after plenty of time to chatter and purchase pints, the crowded pub settled down again to enjoy a question and answer session between acclaimed novelist Richard Gwyn and critic Patrick McGuinness, surrounding the former's latest work The Blue Tent. Then followed fascinating discussions about Welsh fiction in the wider canon, the development of magic realism, the challenges of translating and Richard's own sources of inspiration for this novel.
Both The Blue Tent and Leading to Texas-2 are out now and available to buy:
