The Writers of Wales Database

WHITTAKER, LIZ

Email: lizwhit@btinternet.com
Website http://www.lizwhittaker.co.uk

Author, playwright, and free-lance journalist, Liz Whittaker has been writing and performing storytelling for many years. A Court in Splendour, a historical novel telling the story of the first Eisteddfod, an event held at Cardigan Castle in 1176 is her latest work and her first for adult readers; published by Llanerch Press. Her trilogy for older children ‘The Dream-Stealers’, a contemporary adventure based in the Mabinogion, is published by Y Lolfa. Her plays have been performed at Cardigan’s Theatr Mwldan, and she also runs creative writing workshops. She is in demand for festivals and events around Wales and in the South West and is available only with plenty of advance notice. Liz is a Member of Academi.

Reviews:

"…Whittaker’s novel is destined for great and mighty things…"
Tivy-side Advertiser


With respect to A Court in Splendour (Llanerch, 2009)

”…I suppose I cannot blame the author for the fact that I stayed up too late reading the first fifty pages before I could turn off the light but I do love the book, find it compelling and lyrical, wonderfully immersed in a sense of place and time…”
Richard Cook


Selected Publications:
The Dreamstealers Trilogy:
The Fizzing Stone (Part 1) (Y Lolfa, 2003)
Shapeshifters at Cilgerran (Part 2) (Y Lolfa, 2004)
Manawl’s Treasure (Part 3) (Y Lolfa, 2005)
A Court in Splendour (Llanerch, 2009)




The Fizzing Stone (Y Lolfa, 2003)

The first volume of a fantasy trilogy about two present-day teenage children who experience a wonderful and scary adventure as they try to release three characters imprisoned in a magic stone found in a Pembrokeshire stone circle, with reference to Welsh myths; for readers aged 8-11 years.


To purchase this title from amazon.co.uk, click on the front cover


Shapeshifters at Cilgerran (Y Lolfa, 2004)

Second in The Dreamstealers Trilogy continuing the story of Leo and Ginny. Cilgerran Castle is a fantastic place to visit as they discover, but when the dreaded Dreamstealer turns up, and the school bully and a parliament of rooks are also close by, the holiday atmosphere turns very strange. A real adventure with some laughs and some scary moments ensues.

To purchase this title from amazon.co.uk, click on the front cover


 Manawl’s Treasure (Y Lolfa, 2005)

This final book of the Dreamstealers Trilogy brings to an end the many mysteries and adventures that Ginny and Leo and assorted friends shared, while they were trying to restore a treasure to its rightful owner.


To purchase this title from amazon.co.uk, click on the front cover

 A Court In Splendour (Llanerch, 2009)

Told through the imagined voices of those present, this story of Christmas at Cardigan Castle in 1176 offers an unforgettable insight into the court of the Lord Rhys ap Gruffudd, Prince, Warrior, and King’s Judiciary; whilst also capturing the excitement and thrills of the First Eisteddfod and the characters whose lives were a part of the birth of one of the Welsh nation’s greatest prizes, the Bardic Chair. Who could get closer to a great man than his wife, his priest and his son, and who but the King’s envoy, the wonderful Walter Map, could gather their stories for his Majesty’s ear?

To purchase this title from gwales.com, click on the front cover


 

Eligible Writers on Tour subjects offered:

Storyteller available for festivals and events, gatherings, school visits, litfests and writer’s groups.
1. Adult workshops: creative writing / performing work for schools and festivals
2. Children’s workshops: from page to stage: turning stories into scripts
AGE RANGE: Children and adults