When and why did you start writing?
"I won a few competitions at University and at various eisteddfodau, but I really started to write seriously on returning to Lampeter. I was not working at the time, so I decided to research the story of Sir Herbert Lloyd the infamous local squire, and this led to the publication of 'Peterwell' in 1983. This was quite well received, so I decided to write for radio and television. I have scripted twenty or so films including the series 'Dihirod Dyfed' for S4C. My next challenge was the the life of Joseph Jenkins, the 'Welsh Swagman' After many years studying his diaries I published 'Rhwng Dau Fyd', which was one of three shortlisted for 'Welsh Book of the Year' in 1998. This was followed by 'Pity the Swagman' three years later. I have always found writing a challenge of sorts hence the present volume 'The Lovers Graves.'"
Do you draw inspiration for your writing from your locality?
"Undeniably so. I have always been fascinated by the stories that have been told and retold by succeeding generations. Regrettably, in our more sophisticated age many of these are being lost forever. The desire to record these local stories on paper has always been an important motive for me and has proved to be a guiding inspiration."
Why did you decide to write 'The Lovers Graves.'?
"Some thirty years ago a friend of mine took me up a precipitous path through bracken and the brambles to show me two moss covered mounds lying side by side. She told me that they were known locally as Beddau'r Cariadon (The Lovers' Graves). Surrounded by a rusting fence they lay in unconsecrated ground. I was captivated by this and I was determined to tell the story one day. At last my determination has won through, and after a great deal of local research, I have been able to tell this story of love, money, broken dreams and ultimate betrayal."
How did you discover the stories you describe in the book?
"Once you start researching one story you inevitably come across other stories that are of interest. This is how many of the other stories in the book came to my attention. Three of these are murder stories, but my main interest lies in the motivation and the circumstances behind each one. Certainly murder can never be condoned or justified, but sometimes it can be understood. The tragedy attaching to this extreme act can sometimes extend to the perpetrator of the crime. I have tended to look for stories where this was a factor. There are two stories that are different. One is an account of the life of the Dr. John Harris of Cwrtycadno, the 'Dyn Hysbys' and the other relates to William Seward, the 'Methodist Martyr'. These I discovered many years ago during my various researches and I promised myself that one day I would write about them."
What is your favourite story from the book?
"That is a difficult question as they are so different. Pressed for a choice I would possibly go for 'Charlatans or Healers.' This is an account of the remarkable life of Dr. Harris where fact and and fiction are often intertwined. I choose this because my researches depended largely on conversations with so many interesting people in the Cothi Valley. They were able to relate the remarkable stories about Dr. Harris that had been handed down from generation to generation. Most of those who gave of their time and knowledge are no longer with us, and with their passing it is probable that many of these stories would have been lost. I have always been conscious of the need to safeguard them in writing and I hope that in my book I have managed to do this."
What advice would you give to authors writing about local history.
"Naturally, anyone taking an interest in local history would need to research their topic thoroughly. Newspapers and documents are essential sources, but they should also be aware that the recollections of local people are useful. Folk traditions and stories have been handed down from the past and many are still alive within localities. Although many will have been gilded by the passing of time and may have to be authenticated, they are nevertheless worth recording lest they be lost forever."
What kind of problems do you face making a living as a writer?
"This would appear to be the simplest question. I have never sought to make a living as a writer. I write as a hobby and because I find that it is an admirable release from stress."
What are your plans for the future?
"I have no future plans. Two small grandchildren take up most of my time at present. But who knows, some topic or other may appeal to me at some future time."
