Cliffs, Coal, and the Welsh Spirit: The Tale Behind ‘Porthaven’

Happy Sunday, book lovers! Today, I’m peeling back the curtain on the rugged beauty and the raw, industrial past that inspired the setting of my latest novel.

London may be the star of the show in many tales, but let’s shift the spotlight to South Wales. It’s a place of stunning coastlines and a rich, albeit gritty, history. I’ve wandered those shores, and let me tell you, the dramatic cliffs and sweeping beaches begged to be immortalized in fiction. They play a starring role in my book, and I can’t wait for you to experience them through my words.

But South Wales isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a region with soul and a story to tell. Once the heartbeat of the industrial revolution, it was here that the fires of mines and steelworks roared. Towns like Merthyr Tydfil thrived, their forges and pits a testament to human endeavor.

Yet, time marches on. The once-mighty engines of industry have quieted, leaving behind silent factories and a legacy of loss. The closure of these behemoths stripped away more than jobs; it took a piece of the community’s spirit. Wales, the former industrial titan, now grapples with the challenges of deprivation and the quest for renewal.

In crafting ‘Porthaven’, I’ve drawn from these contrasts—the grandeur of nature against the backdrop of economic struggle. It’s a town that mirrors the fate of its real-world counterparts: proud yet pained, standing defiant against the tides of change.

As for the political undertones—well, let’s just say that history has its villains, and some policies leave deeper scars than others. But ‘Porthaven’ is more than its hardships; it’s about the resilience of those who call it home.

So, tell me, have you ever ventured to South Wales? Have you felt the wind on those cliffs? I’m eager to hear if my portrayal of Porthaven strikes a chord with your own experiences. And if you’re curious to discover its secrets, why not dive into ‘Rabbit Fever’? Just follow the link below and join the adventure. What awaits may just surprise you.