Barry author to run workshop on debut novel (From Barry And District News)

Barry author to run workshop on debut novel

12:20pm Friday 14th September 2012 in News By Chris Seal

A FORMER Barry woman is hoping that her psychology-inspired debut novel will leave readers addicted to her writing.

Former Colcot Infants pupil Voula Grand recently had her first novel Honor's Shadow, which forms part of a trilogy of books, printed by a psychology and psychotherapy publisher.

Mum-of-two Voula, 59, said: "I always wanted to write as a child and I found that as I became a psychologist, my ideas began to develop.

"In my writing I particularly focus on human beings and how they operate."

Voula, who grew up on Gladstone Road, said the book focuses on topics including infidelity, personal memory, the nature of parenthood, vengeance, loss of control, and the question of whether forgiveness can ever lead one to forget.

"I have shared some of these experiences in my own life," said Voula.

"I would describe the book as a story about scandal, betrayal, revenge and marriage.

"It's a very common experience, as most people know someone that has experienced it, or it has happened to themselves."

Voula, who works as a business psychologist, added: "The story of the book is about two women who are rivals for the love of one man in their 20s.

"Twenty years later their paths cross and they are reminded of their old rivalry and the painful feelings that went with it."

Voula, who recently completed a Masters degree in creative writing, added: "I found writing the book one of the most challenging things I have ever done. It took me about five years to write it part time. It was a mountain to climb."

She added: "I'm currently halfway through the second in the trilogy, Honor's Ghost."

The third book will be called Honor's Spirit.

For a copy of Honor's Shadow go to: http://www.karnacbooks.com/

* Voula Grand will be running a workshop about her novel at Barry Library between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday (September 15).

The workshop, during which Voula will also be selling signed copies of her book, will focus on the themes of betrayal and revenge in modern novels.

The workshop will also draw on examples from The Mistress's Revenge (written by Tamar Cohen), Sense of an Ending (written by Julian Barnes) and The Finkler Question (written by Howard Jacobson).