Award-winning author to lead creative writing session for young readers at Llanishen

Members of the community with young families have something special to look forward to this month, as award-winning children's author Olivia Wakeford visits Llanishen Leisure Centre to run a free creative writing workshop.

The session takes place on Tuesday 25 August, 3-4pm and is open to children at the centre.

Olivia has just picked up the Wales Book of the Year Award for Children and Young People for her novel My Dog; a story with a special local connection, as it's set right here in the Llanishen area. To mark the occasion, that afternoon's children's swimming lessons will even be themed around her book.

Olivia is one of just twenty authors chosen for support by the GLL Literary Foundation, and she's looking forward to bringing her love of storytelling to young members at the pool.

"I'm excited about going poolside and can already smell the vinegar from the café that overlooks the pool," she said. "Or at least it used to, back in the day."

Llanishen is a centre Olivia knows well - she grew up in the area. Before turning to children's books, she worked across film, television and scriptwriting (as well as, memorably, dog walking), but says writing novels for children remains her favourite job of all. Her latest release, The Shadow Pony, is also set in Wales.

The visit forms part of GLL's programme for the National Year of Reading 2026, supporting its wider mission to inspire young readers.

Come along and join in the fun in our Meeting Room on Tuesday 25 August, 3-4pm.