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Brendan Gerad OBrien . was born in Tralee, on the west coast of Ireland and now lives in Wales with his wife Jennifer and daughters Shelly and Sarah.As a child he spent his summer holidays in Listowel, Co Kerry, where his uncle Moss Scanlon had a Harnessmakers shop.The shop was a magnet for all sorts of colourful characters. It was there that Brendans love of words was kindled by the stories of John B. Keane and Bryan MacMahon, who often wandered in for a chat and bit of jovial banter.Once on a Cold and Grey September is his first thriller. AmeriCymru spoke to Brendan about his writing and future plans.

AmeriCymru: Hi Brendan and many thanks for agreeing to be interviewed by AmeriCymru. Care to describe your first novel 'Once On A Cold Grey September' for our readers?

Brendan: Hi Ceri. Thanks for asking me to be interviewed for AmeriCymru - its an honour to invited.

My first full novel Once on a Cold and Grey September is a 130,000 word alternative-history action/ thriller, set in Wales in 1940.

The German army is massed along the French coast, poised to invade Great Britain. Only the ferocious resistance of Winston Churchill makes Hitler hesitate.

Then a persistent rumour that Churchill has died demolishes the resolve of the British people and a deep, bitter rift appears within the Government itself. Hitler seizes the opportunity and launches a devastating attack.

Danny OSheas house in Newport is bombed and his wife is killed. His ten-year-old son Adam has learning difficulties. Terrified of what the Nazis will do to him, OShea is determined to take him to the safety of neutral Ireland, and they head for the port of Fishguard.

On an isolated road in the Brecon Beacons, they witness a random attack on some German trucks by local insurgents, whore astonished to find theyve captured an awesome new weapon taken from a secret laboratory near Brecon.

German Captain Eric Weiss, responsible for the weapons safe transfer to Berlin, desperately wants it back.

But, following a major disagreement amongst the insurgents, the weapon disappears.

Then O'Shea goes to the aid of a dying woman, and suddenly everyone thinks shes told him where the weapon is.

Now O'Shea and his son are running for their lives, pursued by both the furious Germans and the fanatical Welsh insurgents

AmeriCymru: How did you get started as a writer?

Brendan: Probably when I won my first writing competition. I was about eight years old and I was so excited I ran all the way home. The Fun Fair was coming to Tralee - our little town on the West coast of Ireland - and apart from Duffy's Circus which usually came in September, this was the highlight of our year. Our English teacher asked us to write an essay about it, and I won the only prize - a book of ten tickets for the fair.

There were eight kids in our family so everyone got a ride on something. Even the Mammy herself had a go on the dodgems.

So writing was in my blood from a very young age. I loved writing essays and studying English literature.

AmeriCymru: You also write short fiction. How would you compare the creative processes - novel writing and short story writing?

Brendan: Ive always preferred writing short stories but I cant say I ever asked myself why. Perhaps it stems from when I was a child - as I said; there were eight of us and in those days we didnt have a TV, so we tended to sit around the fire on the dark winter evenings and make up stories. If your story didnt grab everyones attention pretty quickly, someone else butted in and blotted you out, so it was imperative that what you had to say was short and sharp. Also the story couldnt be too long because everyone wanted a conclusion before we were herded off to bed. But writing the full novel was a wonderful experience - I enjoyed the fact that when I sat down to write the next chapter it developed a mind of its own and took me off in numerous directions. It was originally twice as long as it is now, but on the advice of some good friends I whittled it right down so that it was tighter and less rambling. On reflection, not everyone wanted the deep and meaningful details about the politics of the day, they just want to enjoy the story.

AmeriCymru: What are you currently reading? Any recommendations?

Brendan: Boy Soldier by Andy McNab - I read everything by Andy McNab. I like thrillers that are fast and furious.

The last four I read were; The Reaper by Steven Dunne, Vanished by Tim Weaver, Against All Enemies by Tom Clancy, and Catch Your Death by Louise Voss & Mark Edwards.

AmeriCymru: Where can people go to purchase your work online?

Brendan: Amazon for Paperback and Kindle;

Brendan Gerad O'Brien on Amazon

Smashwords.com for eBooks;

Brendan Gerad O'Brien on Smashwords

AmeriCymru: What's next for Brendan Gerad O'Brien?

Brendan: Im on Chapter Twenty of my next novel Cassidy and Criddle which is a thriller set in Ireland in 1942 and concerns a Garda sergeant Eamon Criddle and a beautiful but flaky - even treacherous - girl called Amanda Cassidy. Criddles step-son is shot in a pub in front of a crowd of revellers, yet no one sees a thing. Then his step--daughter is found dead in the park. Suicide, or murder? Lots of twists and double dealing.

Ive also done the rough draught of a few short stories.

AmeriCymru: Any final message for the readers and members of AmeriCymru?

Brendan: Im so pleased I found AmeriCymru - its such a friendly and welcoming site. I only hope I can contribute to it and make everyone in the USA - and anywhere in the world, for that matter - with Welsh blood in their veins feel a little bit closer to home.

Interview by Ceri Shaw Ceri Shaw on Google+

PLEASE LOG IN TO AMERICYMRU AND GO HERE WELSH GIFT SHOP AND HERE WELSH GIFTS AND CRAFTS FOR THE DISCOUNT CODES. LINKS TO BOTH SITES ARE INCLUDED ON THE PAGES AND ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS QUOTE YOUR AMRICYMRU DISCOUNT CODE WHEN ORDERING

I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, if you're an American, but Christmas is coming! If you haven't already, check out our Buy Welsh for Christmas page and many 10% special deals for AmeriCymru members!

If you're a vendor of fine Welsh things and your ad should be on our Buy Welsh for Christmas page, email us at americymru@gmail.com -

The Welsh gift shop has a 10% off sale right now and they have lots of gorgeous stuff made in Wales, like this slate heart pendant:

http://welshgiftshop.com/collections/welsh-jewellery-fashion/products/necklace-welsh-slate-heart

Or Welsh Gifts and Crafts has lots of great things, coffee cups and other stuff like this great, red dragon:

http://www.welshgiftsandcrafts.co.uk/shop/ellens-dragon/

With winter at its worst, it is easy to yearn for the summer: the sunshine and sea, the beach and ice cream. The coast has always attracted us, and in Gwyn Jenkins new book, On the Seashore , we have a collection of photographs that portray the relationship between the Welsh and the seaside from the mid 19 ^th century to the present day. From the black and white photographs of Llandudnos promenade in 1857 to the surfers braving the waves on Y Sgers beach today, you can enjoy the varied coastal views through the last centuries, in every season, and without leaving your armchair.

Over the centuries many Welsh men and women earned their living from fishing, importing and exporting, or by providing leisure activities on the shore and on the water, and the aim of On the Seashore is to reflect this aspect of our history. The book includes photographs of fishing boats that sailed from small ports, such as Porth Dinllaen on the Lln Peninsula, where there were up to 40 boats that were used for fishing herring. There are also photographs showing the development of larger ports such as Aberdyfi and Porthmadog, as well as the significant docks of Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Barry. Among the other striking photographs there is an image of Porthmadog harbour in its heyday, when the ferry would transport people between Aberdyfi and Ynys-las.

Some coastal towns, such as Aberystwyth and Tenby, developed facilities to attract wealthy visitors, and with the arrival of the railways came the development of other seaside towns for the not-so-wealthy. Thousands would come on their holidays from large cities such as Liverpool and Manchester to Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and Llandudno, and families would flock to Butlins in Pwllheli. In the south, mining families from the Rhondda would travel by train or bus to enjoy a day at the seaside in Barry or Porthcawl, where there was a fair, as well as the beach, to amuse them.

Even with the arrival of overseas package holidays, where sunshine was guaranteed, our coastline continues to attract visitors. The book includes some stunning recent photographs, including one of the more unusual visitors to Aberystwyths pier each February the starlings that flock there in their thousands at dusk to roost.

In the style of its precursor, Life in the Welsh Countryside , the photographs include the work of some of Wales best known photographers such as Geoff Charles, John Thomas, J H Lister, Tom Mathias, William Harwood, David Hurn and Keith Morris.

Gwyn Jenkins was brought up in Perparcau near Aberystwyth but has made Talybont his home for over thirty years. Before retiring in 2009, he was Director of Collections Services at the National Library of Wales. He has published several books, including the successful Life in the Welsh Countryside .

Some images from the book

Porthmadog

Bath house Llandudno

Porthcawl picnic

Welsh Captain and Swansea City legend Ashley Williams has been through a lot in the last couple of years. From achieving Premiership status with Swansea in the play-off final to becoming captain of the Welsh national side, its been quite an eventful period for Ashley, and hes now revealing all about life with Swansea City and Wales in a new book called My Premier League Diary.

His friend Rio Ferdinand has written the introduction to what he describes as an excellent book,which gives a unique view into what it takes to be a successful footballer at the highest level.

In the book Ashley reveals the highs and lows of a professional footballer, from the pre-season trip to the Alps, the harsh lesson of the first Premier League game against Man City and then the revenge of beating the eventual Champions at the Liberty. The book also includes a poignant tribute to his mentor and former Wales boss, Gary Speed and a detailed account of his pain and sorrow following his death.

The book also gives the reader a fascinating insight into the Swansea dressing room, the banter between the players and the resolve that made that first season such a success. Ashley is also very honest about opposition players and tells his feelings about players such as Rooney, Carroll and Suarez, and lets the reader know exactly what goes through his mind at the height of his personal battles with these world class players. In addition to his honest appraisal of his many opponents, Ashley gives a detailed evaluation of his then manager Brendan Rodgers and his approach to managing Swansea throughout the season, culminating in the shock Ashley felt when he received the phone call from Rodgers, telling him that he was leaving Swansea for Liverpool. Reflecting on Rodgers exit Ashley says Brendan gave me that extra 10 or 20% which meant that when the Premier League came along, I didnt look out of place, and that improvement was testament to him. Thinking of it all now, Im just happy that I had the chance to work with him.

The book is written with Swansea sports writer David Brayley, an experienced author who has written two other books, including the autobiography of Tony Cottey and delivers a sports literacy scheme for schools in Swansea. The book will be launched at the Liberty Stadium shop at 6.00 pm on Wednesday 21 November where Ashley will be signing his book.

There will also be a book signing at Waterstones, Swansea between 2-4 p.m on Saturday 24 ^th of November. Ashley Williams: My Premier League Diary is published by Y Lolfa and priced at 14.95. It will be avialable in book shops and from www.ylolfa.com .

Great poets and authors have always pushed the boundaries of what may be considered good taste.

The following poet is no exception. Many of you may find his poem morally offensive and therefore I would like to make the following observations:

1. 'Glyn Scott' is NOT my pen name. He is much older and uglier than me. Pictorial evidence is provided below.

2. No penises were harmed or compromised in the making of this poem.

3. If you are easily offended (or female) please DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS POINT.

4. No money exchanged hands in the promotion of this poem (yet).

PICTORIAL EVIDENCE in support of my previous observations.

PLEASE DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS POINT IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED.

THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

HERE GOES. . .

The Counter Revolution.

We march like ancient warriors
along the rugged track,
To another field of battle
There is no looking back.

Our hearts are strong and wilful
Our hopes continue on
We are the veterans rugby team
Whose muscles have all gone.

The game begins and in no time,
we are praying for a rest
No violent scrums we settle in
like hens upon a nest.

The referee has abandoned hope
of controlling this debacle,
Our collective aim is to a man
avoid having to tackle.

Spectators few in number
There for memories sake
Stand and issue platitudes
Like mourners at a wake.

Our wives abandon us to chance
Of ever coming back
They see the pain that has no gain
and give us constant flack.

They say we men are obsolete
Mars usurped by Venus
Our worth is measured only
by the short length of our penis.

They demean us daily
saying boys they will be boys,
then replace us in the marital sack
with a range of sexual toys.

Yet we will fight on valiantly
sod our feminine side
We owe it to our brave young sons
To avoid the manhood slide.

So hardy veterans every where
Play on, theres no game finer.
Against the ever growing threat
The march of the vagina.

So get up off your knees, man
Support your local club.
If she says be home by six
her demanding you must snub.

Give her both barrels, my son
Reduce her to a pallor
and you and I will one day share
a brew in old Valhalla

Glyn Scott
The Ruptured Bard.

P.S. I f by some remote chance some of you enjoyed this poem let me know and I'll buy Glyn a pint next Monday when we meet for lunch.

If, as I strongly suspect, you find the tone of this poem morally reprehensible please forward me your comments on a blank 20 note and I will ensure the poet is made aware of how much he has offended your sensibilties.

I canhowever personally vouch for the fact that he was severely ruptured while researching this poem. Great poets must be prepared to suffer for their art.

# flirtingatthefuneral Doing an author-appearance at Aberystwyth University Bookfest on Monday, December 10th. Be there! WOOP! WOOP!