An author from Llanwrtyd Wells has spoken of her delight following the publication of her first novel.
Over 120 people packed into Llanwrtyd’s Victoria Hall on Friday to celebrate the publication of the first novel by Kathy Biggs - The Luck.
“It was a wonderful evening - we couldn’t have fitted many more people into the hall,” said Kathy.
“I’m very grateful to everyone that came and showed their support.”
Set in rural America in the 1930s, The Luck tells to story of a young man leaves Ireland at 18, with a dream of buying a plane and becoming a crop duster. Two years into his new life everything is changed when he spots an abandoned farm from the cockpit of his plane. Despite its reportedly tragic history he buys the house and land - and the dark lake at its heart with a mysterious legacy...
Mayor of Llanwrtyd Wells Cllr Jim Davies was one of the guests on the evening of the launch, and spoke proudly of the resident and her newly-published novel.
During the book launch, Kathy talked about the writing of the novel and her journey to becoming an author. She also signed copies of her book for people to take home.
Kathy moved to mid Wales in the 1980s and has been here ever since. She and her family have called Llanwrtyd Wells home since 1999.
“I’ve got no background at all in creative writing,” explained Kathy.
“I got made redundant in 2017 and had a long think about what to do next. I wanted to empty my head a bit - I wanted a job with less information!”
After taking up a creative writing learning course at Wyeside Arts Centre in Builth Wells, Kathy began to hone her writing skills. She completed eight courses over two years and had some success with poetry and short story writing.
Kathy then started writing The Luck at end of 2018 and began sending it off to publishers at the end of 2020.
14 or so submissions later, Honno Welsh Women’s Press asked for the full manuscript before giving Kathy the heads up for publication.
“It was a surreal moment,” said Kathy.
“After so many setbacks you think about giving up but I’m very glad that I didn’t!”
Kathy has also signed a deal for a second book - Scrap - set in a Swansea scrapyard, which will be out in June next year.
“It’s a completely different setting to The Luck but all my writing is about people and relationships,” said Kathy.
“I’ve worked in a number of jobs, including nursing, and I’ve always been interested in people.”
“It’s never too late to start writing - don’t think you’ve missed the boat,” added Kathy.
The Luck by Kathy Biggs is available in several retailers including Waterstones, WHSmith, and Amazon. A number of independent stores will also be stocking the novel - so keep an eye out in your local bookshop.