In the absence of an active publisher, my Stowaway mice need a little extra help. If you are local to West Wales – Carmarthenshire or Ceredigion do come along on Sunday afternoon, between 12 and 4, to the Christmas Fayre at the Penrallt Hotel in Aberporth. I’ve organised lots of Christmas craft fairs in the past up at Ceridwen Centre, but this will be the first I’ve attended as a writer! I believe it’s the first to be held at the Penrallt too – am looking forward to seeing her decked out in her festive finery. She’s the right kind of building to wear yuletide regalia with panache!

As well as my mousey book, which I’m happy to dedicate to the recipient if asked (!), there will be more specifically Christmouse fare, or wares, available. Again, the illustrator for the three designs is the brilliant Cerys Susannah Rees from Llandeilo. All cards feature characters from ‘Valletta and the Year of Changes’ and some Christmousy words from me, and are printed on recycled card, using vegan and eco-friendly inks. The clear wrap is made from compostable cornstarch.

I was meant to be at Narberth Museum’s Meet the Author day last Saturday with Valletta Stowaway and family, and meant to be at a special film and poetry event, (themed around survivors of domestic abuse, with me reading a new poem written for the evening), at the Attic Theatre in Newcastle Emlyn the Saturday before. However, my mishap three weeks ago threw these plans out of a top floor window. So this Sunday will be my first author outing for some while… I may have to wear a bit more war paint than is usual for me!!

Here are the three card designs – all available from me direct, on Etsy – MouseHousebySimone, in the Ceridwen Centre shop, and in four fabulous independent shops – Cariad Glass in Llandysul, Debbie’s Gifts and Jewellery in Newcastle Emlyn, Y Pantri Bach in Drefach Felindre and Eve’s Toy Shop in Llandeilo.