The Writers of Wales Database

EDWARDS, DEIRDRE

Garn Gelli Isaf, Newport Road, Fishguard SA65 9SR.
Tel: 07940 663362
Email: Edwards.d@hotmail.com
Website: www.willowbysworld.com

Former award winning west end actress Deirdre Edwards recently spent a year living in a straw bale round house in Newport. Having taught healing to adults and specialized in special educational needs for children, she began writing for children several years ago. As an actress she was frequently involved in improvisation and devising plays for different theatre companies and as a teacher she went on to create play scripts which were performed in local schools. One of these includes an entertainment inspired by Fishguard’s Last Invasion Tapestry - The Last Invasion of Britain or How Jemima Nicholas And Her Friends Scared Off The French which was performed by Burnham Grammar School in Slough. 

Her latest work is Willowby’s World, a story book for 9 – 12 year olds exploring earth consciousness. Willowby’s World evolved out of her teaching, healing and experience of working in nature with her local landscape. She feels that living close to nature in a straw bale roundhouse with no running water or electricity is a fitting adventure for her following the experience of writing Willowby’s World. Having recorded number of stories for BBC radio Deirdre is delighted to have recorded extracts of Willowby’s World which can be listened to on her website.
 
Reviews:
With respect to Willowby’s World (Newberry Press, 2008)

"…A beautiful book packed with ten exciting, magical parables inside. Each chapter was better than the last and was filled with enchanting characters…The author uses such beautiful descriptive vocabulary…An absolutely brilliant book…that makes you realise how fortunate you are. The stories are told imaginatively and thoughtfully. A must read for all children..."
George (aged 11), February 2009, amazon.co.uk

"...I think it is fantastic for those who are not so familiar with the underlying concepts that are being introduced in Willowby's World - the parable/ story is such a deep medium, getting concepts felt deep inside. As a tool for change it is excellent..."
Glennie Kindred, author of Sacred Ceremonies and other titles

"...Thank you for such a beautifully written book. My children and I were spellbound by the insightful nuggets of wisdom woven into a fantabulous journey the young girl makes with  nature. I want to recommend this book to many, and will do so!..."
Sarraounia Kilbey, Haverfordwest

"...This is an enchanting book; a modern-day fairy tale, but with a beautiful mix of psychology to help us all understand ourselves better, and recognize our present environmental problems... Accessible to adults and children, Deirdre Edwards has used her gifts as a wise soul and a wonderful writer, and enhanced them with her experiences as an actress and a teacher..."
Carol Royle, actress


Selected Publications:
Willowby’s World (Newberry Press, 2008)
The Last Invasion of Britain (Pembrokeshire County Council, forthcoming)



Willowby’s World (Newberry Press, 2008)

Sonya discovers that the willow tree beside the brook is no ordinary tree…As the summer unfolds Sonya begins to apply the wisdom she has learned from Willowby’s tales to her own life with considerable success.

An enchanting adventure, full of spiritual insights imparted by the world of willow, evolved out of the author’s own experiences of working closely with nature. Willowby the Willow Tree befriends the young girl Sonya, who like all children, sometimes feels bewildered by the world she encounters and is curious to have her questions about life answered.

Willowby responds to her questions by sharing his wisdom with her, though the telling of his stories, which draw upon ancient wisdom; wisdom which is accessible to us all, and which nature is continuing to collude to impart to us; and takes the reader on a magical journey. An empowering book written for children but equally inspiring for adults.

To purchase this title, please visit www.willowbysworld.com or the following retail outlets:

Wales
St David’s
Cathedral Books
Fishguard
Seawaves Bookshop
Newport, Pembs
Newport Wholefoods
Newport Arts Collective
Dinas
The Garage
Cardigan
Pendre Arts

England
Avebury
The Henge Shop
Devizes
The Wishing Well Bookshop
Glastonbury
Growing Needs Bookshop
Courtyard Books
Chalice Well Bookshop
London
Watkins Bookshop, Cecil Court WC1
Tavistock
The Book Stop