Our Authors – in their OWN words!
From biopic blurbs and internal monologues to philosophical dilemmas and humorous anecdotal confessions – here we nom le plume (loosely – name the pen) and each pen writes a little about itself. Humble, grandiose or just plain average – enjoy our words about ourselves as we have written them!
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Frances Copping (1934-2020) (Founder and President)
I was bought up and went to school in Hay. For me there is no other place I would call home. In 1983 Hay Writers’ Circle was formed and soon gave support to those who like me, are captivated by this town, the river Wye and the surrounding hills and feel inspired to write creatively about this lovely place.
(Frances sadly died earlier this year. Photo from a booklet of her work, published by Lynn Trowbridge, 2020.)
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Hilary Alcock
I began writing in my teens and was spurred on by achieving a short story in the exclusive school magazine. Whilst a practising primary school teacher, I found the best slot in the weekly timetable was telling stories to any age children and holding their attention through voice and words. I was appointed head of English but life with three daughters, a self-employed husband who worked all hours and a full time teaching post left me no time to write. I did manage to have a story broadcast by the BBC on “Listen with Mother” and produce four “Busby” books published by Severn House; on holiday by the sea, twelve Ferryman Fred stories came into being.
Recently in retirement, I have found renewed stimulus from joining the Hay Writers ’Circle group and have entered some competitions. Children’s fiction and non-fiction are my go-to writing comfort zones together with story telling.
I really like playing with words, finding their derivations, linking rhymes and putting them into sentences where the reader has a word picture or an idea with a different perspective.
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Shane Anderson
I began writing in 2013, mostly short plays purely because, having started my working life as an actor, it seemed the simplest place to start. Within a year I had won a South Wales ScriptSlam competition and had the full play version of that winning entry performed at Pontardawe Arts Centre. Later the same year I was the winner of a national monologue competition.
In October 2014, as a slight diversion, for Cardiff’s ‘Made in Roath’ Festival, I devised, directed and storylined, ’City Road’ an improvised Soap Opera staged and set in a pub. In 2014 and 2015, I was commissioned to write a 20 minute comic piece for Mercury Theatre, Cardiff’s Christmas production ‘Anamnesis 25:12’. Wales Arts Review described this offering as one of the ‘stand-out pieces’ and ‘a hilarious farce’. Throughout this period, I continued to write full length theatre pieces, examples of which were longlisted by the BBC Writers’ Room, Papatango New Writing Prize and The Verity Bargate Award. In 2016 I turned my attention to film scripts, again starting with the short form. Four of my first attempts were shortlisted in the London Screenwriters’ Festival’s, Create 50 ‘The Impact’ competition.
In 2017, I wrote and performed a thirty minute biographical monologue “A Home Unpacked” at the North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford as part of an Art Exhibition of the same name. Around this time, one of my short screenplay scripts, “Bronwyn Goes Dancing” was a semi-finalist in the L.A. based Bluecat (Short) Screenplay Awards. Theatre-wise, in 2017, “City Road” was reborn as “Rhondda Road”, a theatre cafe soap opera, which ran monthly at the Park and Dare in Treorchy until December of that year. 2018 was another good year: Rhondda Road was reprised for a short season; my first full length film script “Zip and the Fly Boys” reached the BBC Drama longlist and gained me the epithet ‘BBC Writer of Interest’ and my first full-length radio play ‘A Cold Calling’ was shortlisted for the Irish national broadcaster RTE’s P. J. O’Connor Award. In January 2020 the now completed film version of ’Bronwyn Goes Dancing’ was selected by the prestigious Lewes-based WOFF Festival (Women Over Fifty Film Festival) for inclusion in their 2020 season. Since then, this short film has been ‘toured’ by WOFFF as part of their ‘Best of the Fest’ programme.
Although theatre will always be my first love, I joined the Hay Writers’ Circle after the pandemic in the hope of not only reigniting my love of writing but also exploring those more prose and poetry based styles of writing.
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Sam Ashton
Born and brought up in a farming family the first part of my working life was involved with agriculture, mostly at the industrial end of the milk industry.
At forty life changed considerably for my family and myself. After two years at theological college I was ordained in Hereford Cathedral. From there began twenty four years as a rural parish priest; people, farms, sheep and cattle still had a hold of me.
More words have been written with A4 and a pencil than I wish to remember. Language has been a part of my profession, outlining mental landscapes for people to enter, describing situations or inner realisations. Now, as a novice in my 80s, I have the liberty to enjoy the creation and frustration of writing poetry or prose.
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Mark Bayliss
I was that kid in school who for English homework would write nine-page essays. It worked out well, some of my short stories and novel themes are a nod to those essays. This passion for writing recently earned me an MA in Creative Writing from Cardiff University, with a distinction for my dissertation.
I’m originally from the former Welsh mining town of Blaenavon, now a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site attraction, and the scene of my thriller ‘Rare Earth’. My career started as an aeronautical design engineer, but I spent most of my working life travelling the world masquerading as a key account salesman.
My debut novel ‘The Lucidity Programme’ received excellent reviews and briefly made it to #33 in its Amazon category alongside the likes of Dean Koontz and Paulo Coelho!
To relax, I’m a dedicated yogi; ridden Tour de France alpine cycling climbs; hiked the Camino across Northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela; snowboarded Mont Blanc’s Vallée Blanche and once outran a herd of rampaging cows across my local Welsh mountains. I’m a member of the Hay Writers Circle and performed at the Hay Literature Festival several times – treasuring my ‘paper rose’ performance accolade.
I live in Wales with similar views to some of the characters in my valley noir books.
Writing Awards:
- I won my first national award for writing a fictional story as an eight-year-old – The Brooke Bond award.
- First prize the Henshaw International fiction prize in 2020. with my short story ‘Taste the Darkness’.
- Runner up in the Frances Copping Memorial Prize for Fiction 2019 judged by Candice Siobhan Walker.
- Third prize for the 2023 Richard Booth Prize for non-fiction judged my Tom Bullough.
- Third prize Hay Writers 2023 open poetry competition judged by Alex Josephy.
Mark Bayliss – Writer – https://www.jmbayliss.com/
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Margaret Blake – Competitions Secretary
It’s a long time since I was ‘in my prime’ but life still holds many joys – and many challenges. I am thankful that my ‘golden years’ are being spent living near the beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog (The Brecon Beacons). The landscape, the air and, most importantly, the people enrich my life and stimulate my imagination.
In my mid-years, I obtained a degree through the Open University, trained for the ordained ministry and then was given the privilege – and responsibility – of serving a large parish in suburban England. Throughout my life, I have stood alongside people on the fringes of society, including ex-offenders and those with addictions. Here in Brecon, I am heavily involved in the work of Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees group, and my writings often reflect such concerns.
I write mainly prose – short stories – with occasional forays into the world of poetry. Until recently, I was a co-administrator of an online writing group and as such, co-edited several e-zines. I also helped edit a printed anthology of our work, combining both poetry and prose: “Seasons of Change; Reflecting Today, Dreaming Tomorrow.“ I have had my work published in online journals as well as in printed anthologies. I am currently working on my first novel: a piece of contemporary fiction. It is a joy to be a Member of the Hay Writers’ Circle, whose company both stimulate and encourage me in my writing endeavours.
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Ange Grunsell (President)
Me I love words! The music of words, the meanings of words, the partnership of thought and language so various in different tongues.
I have always been driven to write stories and poems ever since I first learned to form letters and even the obligatory holiday diary writing set and copy edited by my father failed to put me off an urge to record things in words. An English degree enraptured me but daunted me from attempting serious writing of my own for a very long time.
At work,I had the opportunity to construct and publish activities and books for Primary school classrooms. I wanted to bring the language of non- fiction as close to that of story as possible.
Academic writing for the distance learner, presented other challenges…of evidence and precision…but still I have been concerned to spin a story and a relationship with my students.
In later life it is poetry..both reading and writing it that captivates me most. I am excited by discovering more about the art and skill of others revealed through reading and wonder what it is I have to say. Work in progress!
Details of Ange Grunsell’s latest publication – Sprigs of Hope – can be found on our Books & Publications page.
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Corinne Harris – Chairperson
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Ellie Higgs
Storytelling is beautiful. It can take your hand and draw you along on vast wonderful quests, and it can make you love characters and worlds that remain within your heart and memory for years- that is how I feel, at least. And that’s why I love stories so much.
I’ve always adored storytelling and writing, starting with my love for animation and comics at a young age and spanning all the way up to my passion for writing and art in my more recent years. I’m working towards becoming a self-taught author and comic artist, developing the skills I need in order to allow the stories I’ve held in my mind for years to finally see the light of day; namely a fantasy world which I first came up with when I was 12, which I’ve begun to work on again since I stepped into my adulthood years.
Maybe one day, I will finally finish one of my many WIP’s. One day.
My aim is to try to finish a published comic or novel to include on here! But for now, I’ll see where my imagination takes me and enjoy the ride!
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Lily Rose King
As a child, Lily spent all her pocket money on notebooks and all her free time filling them with stories. Since then, her passion for writing and innate curiosity has seeped into every aspect of her life taking many different forms, including manifesting in her journalism degree at Nottingham Trent University and more recently in her day job as a marketing & communications consultant.
Lily takes inspiration from motherhood and the world around her, especially the magical Bannau Brycheiniog she is lucky enough to call home, to influence her writing and poetry. Her first poetry pamphlet, ‘Sweetheart’ was published by the Nuthatch Press in 2024 and explores the journey of a carefree twentysomething as she becomes a mother, through pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and settling into the new and totally altered rhythm of life that comes with raising a child.
In any snatches of alone time that are not spent reading or writing, Lily can be found practicing yoga, running, or swimming; and wherever she is, she would usually prefer to be in a field listening to live music, with a cold beer in hand, surrounded by friends and her growing family.
Follow her adventures online at https://lilyrosekingwords.wordpress.com/ & @lilyrosekingwords on Instagram.
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Jean O’Donoghue
Jean likes writing short stories, and the occasional odd (very odd) poem. There is two thirds of a novel secreted in a drawer, but she doesn’t expect it to be completed, or see the light of day.
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Michelle Pearce – Secretary
Michelle Pearce is a writer and smallholder born and raised in Hong Kong and now living in Mid-Wales. She has won numerous competitions for her poetry, short stories, non-fiction and children’s writing, and in 2023 set up the Nuthatch Press to help bring accessible, well-crafted writing to the light. She is secretary of The Hay Writers’ Circle and has a particular passion for Life Writing, especially that which is rooted in nature.
In 2022 Michelle was commissioned by the Wildlife Trusts to write six poems reflecting nature in Powys which will form the heart of her second poetry collection due out in 2026.
Terrified of even putting her hand up at school, Michelle has developed a love of performing her poetry and has read to audiences at the Hay Festival (as part of the Hay Writer’s Circle), on the Wildlife Trusts’ Green Connections project roadshow at various locations throughout Powys, at North Books, Hay-on-Wye, and most recently as part of Music & Poetry events at Bradley’s, Llandrindod Wells, headed by Simon Rae, formerly of Poetry Please, BBC Radio 4.
Her poetry has been exhibited at Gilfach Nature Reserve and Celf o Gwmpas (both in Powys), she has taught Life Writing Workshops and, in a former incarnation, a lot of yoga classes!
When she isn’t writing you will probably find Michelle growing vegetables, doing something with sheep, making baskets or walking for miles in the hills.
Prizes
2025 – Winner – Richard Booth Prize for Non-Fiction
2023 – Winner – Frances Copping Memorial Prize for Fiction
2022 – Winner – Hay Writers’ Circle Poetry Competition
2022 – Runner up – Richard Booth Prize for Non-fiction.
2010 – Joint Winner – Pighog Press Prize for Children’s Fiction
Publications
2023 – First Collection: a poetic diary which distils thirty years of writing into thirty poems. Nuthatch Press
Commissions
2023 – The Wildlife Trusts, funded by the Welsh Government: six poems reflecting nature in Powys,
Coming soon
November 2025 – The Lonely Man at Christmas – a modern reimagining of the Christmas story: Illustrated by Jasmine Pearce: Nuthatch Press
2026 – Poetry to Sequester the Soul: writing the landscape of Mid-Wales
Email – michellecpearce@live.co.uk
https://michellepearce.wordpress.com
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Catherine Smedley
Catherine Smedley moved to Wales in 2018 after living in SW France for a couple of decades developing her work as an artist and writer.
She is now an active member of the Hay Writers Circle and a founder member of the “Nuthatch press”, a new press with the byline, “writing naturally”.
Her first poetry pamphlet “Here, There and Everywhere” was published in late 2023 and she is working on a second pamphlet of poems and drawings to be published later this year.
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Martine and Martin Smith
In recent years I have become increasingly aware of my feminine side and present mainly as Martine to this group and others.
I consider myself to be gender fluid. Hence the two photographs.
I have arrived at writing late in life although since getting my nickname as Slip in the first year of grammar school for writing a story about Slippery Five, a notorious robber, I always felt I had something to say.
Having spent over fifty years running my niche professional practice advising companies and individuals working in the media and other professions I have retired and relish the opportunity to improve my writing with the Hay Writers Circle.
Hill walking has been a passion for many years resulting in my training as a mountain leader enabling me to lead groups and writing about my travels and producing walking guides.
I love the outdoor environment and spend many hours looking after our local community park which has a glorious view of the western flank of Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons.
I completed the first Cardiff Marathon in 1980 and Gillette London Marathon in 1982.
In the 1990’s I climbed Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc and trekked solo through Wales..
Mount Fuji, Colorado Rockies and Corsica were highlights in 2000 to 2004.
I have attended numerous creative writing courses and workshops. I have given illustrated talks on mountains and visits to a variety of groups.
Works include :
Self -published available on Feed a Read and Amazon:
Minion or Master : three geo-political thrillers – CLICK HERE to find out more.
Heels, Cancer and Friendship joint author with a friend.
Travel guides Costa Rica, Chile and New Zealand.
Poetry and short stories. Some published in Anthologies and magazines
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Katharine Stones
Katy lives with her family in a medieval farmhouse enchanted by other mammals, raptors, birds, herptiles and curious insects, and is captivated by the landscape of the brook and the Black Hill made famous by Bruce Chatwin.
Katy is a prize-winning short-story writer who right now is likely to be knee-deep in research for an historical fiction novel about espionage and pigeons. As chair of the Hay Writers she enjoys welcoming new members to the circle where writers get the chance to unchain themselves from their desks in an environment that encourages and celebrates creativity.
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Nicholas Thomas – Treasurer
Successes.
I was encouraged at school, not Eton, to write by Bernard Crick a new English teacher who was a cut or two above the previous one, an old waster who either couldn’t or wouldn’t teach. Mister Crick made me a co-editor of the school magazine, I fear I let him down.
Later in life when sitting my professional examination to become a chartered civil engineer I was asked, along with everyone else, to write a couple of long essays which formed part of the assessment. If they were considered good enough you are given an * against your name, I got one!
Even later in life following a meeting and correspondence with Booker prize winner Howard Jacobson at Hay, he opined that “I had a narrative gift”. Needless to say I was delighted. He then said “Now get on with it”.
I have also had letters published in the New Civil Engineer, and Trout and Salmon magazines.
Failures.
My writing is mainly based on time spent in the Middle East, initially non-fiction in a format similar to Primo Levi’s, The Wrench which is essentially a collection of short stories told by men in a remote work camp. They met with no takers from either agents or publishers.
I concluded that this was because :
A. Nobody was particularly interested in a noncelebrity. I did ask one agent or publisher as to whether it was the content or the quality of writing that caused it into fail, “A bit of both”, was the disheartening reply.
B. They weren’t racy enough. I’d had to hold back all manner of evil that goes on in commerce in the Middle East.
So I changed the genre and turn to illustrated children’s fiction drawing on tales I told grandchildren years ago that had seemed to go down well and commissioned a couple of artists.
A series of Badger the dog stories in association with Kessiah Arthur were completed and The Runaway Reindeer with Madeleine Fletcher was also produced. Again no agent or publisher appeared interested although I have currently got a couple of unanswered approaches out. I have also had a lovely response from a little girl l don’t know who said after hearing Badger 1, “Mummy can we keep it”.
I have more recently turned back to my Middle Eastern adventures and changed to fiction. After attending an HWC short story workshop and reading AA Milne’s autobiography, amongst other things, l have decided to concentrate on short stories only.
Despite my setbacks I am always heartened by something a lecturer said when attending a writing course at York University, “Whether you’re published or not, if you write you’re a writer”.
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Emma van Woerkom – Website and Social Media Manager
Emma van Woerkom is by day a Community Services Officer in Public Libraries, after dark she transforms into a Poet, Poetry Film Maker, a fully trained Shared Reading Facilitator.
Her poetry pamphlet FOUND ME: Blackout Poetry, published by Read Fox Books was shortlisted for the national Saboteur Award Best Poetry Pamphlet 2017.
Emma’s work has been engraved in brass, published in the U.K. and worldwide in poetry magazines, anthologies and music albums, during February 2018 she was the Artist in Residence at Brisons Veor.
Her poetry films have be shown at Swindon Poetry Festival 2016 and she has performed her poetry at Bristol Festival of Nature and Bristol Poetry Can Openers, Words and Ears Festival (Bradford-on-Avon), Swindon Poetry Festival 2016 as part of the Ruth Stone House Party and for the last several years at Hay Festival as part of the Hay Writers.
In 2021 her poem, Water-Break-It’s-Neck, was the first of 12 poems set to film and released by National Trails, in a collaborative project with renowned Welsh Artist, Dan Llywelyn Hall. The poetry films formed part of a new exhibition with his commissioned paintings celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Offa’s Dyke Trail.
Click Here to see the poetry film, Water-Break-It’s-Neck.
Emma is currently the longest serving member of Hay Writers’ Circle, joining the group in 2011 and immediately taking on the position of Secretary . Since 2014 she has been the group’s Online Co-ordinator, and is responsible for this website ©2025. She is also the designer of the current Hay Writers’ Circle logo.
Born on the Welsh Marches, Emma has never been able to sever ties with this area and spends her time shuttling between Weston-super-Mare and Hay-on-Wye – it-also-seems-she-can-only-live-in-towns-whose-name-contains-two-hyphens!
Click the following links to read Emma van Woerkom’s poems.
Water Break its Neck – Published in Poems from the Borders (Seren Books, 2019).
Craving – Published in Watch the Birdie – poems highlighting the 67 U.K. birds on the R.S.P.B. red endangered list. (Beautiful Dragons Press, 2018).
Website – emmavanwoerkom.wordpress.com
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