Deborah Kay Davies (52) who works at Spire Cardiff Hospital in Pentwyn, launched her collection of short stories ‘Grace, Tamar and Laszlo the Beautiful’ at a special book signing at the hospital this week.
After failing her 11 Plus exam at school, Deborah, originally from Cwmbran, but now living in Canton, Cardiff, thought she wouldn’t be capable of further study and left school at 16. She worked in shops and admin roles before getting married and having two children, but secretly enjoyed writing in her spare time.
It was only when a friend suggested Deborah should sit some A Levels in 1991 that Deborah’s path to becoming a published author began. She sailed through the exams, and went on to study for a degree in English Literature at Cardiff University, followed by an MA and then a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing.
Deborah said: “It was while I was studying at university that I realised I had talent as a writer, and the early drafts of the short stories actually began then. After university, I continued to write, and I was thrilled when Parthian Books offered to publish first my collection of poetry – Things You Think I Don’t Know – and now, two years later, my book of short stories.
Set in the South Wales Valleys in the early 1970s, ‘Grace, Tamar and Laszlo the Beautiful’ tells the story of two sisters and their volatile childhood. Deborah said: “My style is quite dark and violent, but also comic at the same time. Many people have said is a very realistic portrayal of the unique relationship shared by sisters.”
Deborah is now working on her second novel, ‘True Things About Me’, which she fits in around her day job at Spire Cardiff Hospital. Deborah said: “I was so pleased when my employers at Spire offered to host a book signing for me at the hospital. Lots of my colleagues came along and bought a book, which was great.”
Nicola Amery, Hospital Director at Spire Cardiff Hospital said: “We are all delighted for Deborah, and really excited to have a novelist in our midst. We wish her the best of luck with her work on her next book.”
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