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Writing Wales
Weekly Events Listings
A brief look at whats ahead in the week to come: Monday 2nd December: Cardiff University Creative Writers Series with James Smythe (Nos Da, Cardiff) James Smythe will be the special guest at this months Cardiff Un iversity Creative Writers Series, starting at 7pm in Nos Da. Winner of the Wales Book of the Year Fiction category for 2013, Smythe will be reading from his work and answering questions. The reading will be followed by Open Mic session featuring students on the MA Creative Writing at Cardiff University. Entry is free and enquiries should be made to Professor Richard Gwyn at gwyn@cardiff.ac.uk. Wednesday 4th December: Open Mic Poetry Extravaganza II (Ye Olde Murenger House, Newport) The Open Mic Poetry Extravaganza II will be held in aid of the Handpost Community Library Association from 7.30pm - 9pm on Wednesday 4th December. Featured poets include Patrick Jones, Daniel Llewelyn Williams, Bernard Pearson and Alan Roderick. Entry costs 5 and can be paid on the door. Wednesday 4th December: R. S. Thomas Screening (National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth) A special screening of R. S. Thomas material, including an interview with Thomas from the 1970s and a look at R. S Thomas: Priest and Poet (1971). Event starts at 2.30pm and is free but ticketed. Visit the National Library of Wales website for more details. Wednesday 4th December: Meet the Author with Catrin Collier (Pontypridd Library, Pontypridd) Pontypridd-born writer Catrin Collier, author of the best-selling Hearts of Gold series of novels, which were made into a BBC series, will feature at this event in Pontypridd Library. The event will also feature K M Ashman, Mark Dorey, John Rees, Dave Lewis and Gareth Harris and will take part from 4.30pm - 6pm. Entry to the event is free event and refreshments are included. To book your please contact Edwina Smart or Rachael Greet at Pontypridd.Library@rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk Thursday 5th December: Philip Gross Poetry Event Age Connects (Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff) This evening of poetry is sponsored by the University of South Wales and will be led by Philip Gross. Gross will be discussing his new collection Later, which offers an insight into his relationship with his elderly father in the last year of his life. The launch will consider questions of old age through poetry. The event starts at 6pm and is free of charge (donations

02/12/13 are invited), but spaces are limited. Book in advance by calling 02920 683604 or visit the website to find out more. Thursday 5th December: First Thursday Readings and Book Launch (Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff)

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Join author Ivy Alvarez for the launch of her new book Disturbance, with First Thursday readings from Robert Minhinnick and Jenny Lewis. An open mic session will follow the readings and tickets are priced at just 2.50. Visit the Chapter Arts Centre website for further details. Friday 6th December: NaCot - On the Border Event with Sir Andrew Motion and Owen Sheers (Drill Hall, Chepstow) This On the Border Event brings together former poet laureate Sir Andrew Motion and Welsh author and poet Owen Sheers for a special evening at The Drill Hall in Chepstow, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at 12 or 10 for concessions and more information can be found at www.poetryontheborder.org. Saturday 7th December: A Childs Mystical Christmas in Cwmdonkin Park (Cwmdonkin Park, Swansea) A magical Christmas event featuring poetry, music and storytellin from poet Labi Siffre. This event runs from 12noon 5pm in Cwmdonkin Park and is organised by the Friends of Cwmdonkin Park. For more information visit: www.cwmdonkinpark.co.uk

News at a Glance
Early-bird tickets for the 2014 Dinefwr Festival are now available; book yours or see the full list of prices on the festival website.

Seren Books have opened a pop-up shop in Cardiff for the duration of the month of December and will also be hosting a number of author events; visit their website to view the opening hours and find out more about planned events.

With Christmas fast approaching libraries across Wales are holding special festive events, including readings and Christmas storytelling. Remember to visit your local council website for details of forthcoming events.