An Ellesmere author has published her debut novel.

Joan Shirley-Davies trod the boards and wrote plays for over 20 years, but her true ambition was to write novels.

Although she gained recognition as a playwright, not only in the UK, but also in German-speaking countries, she was frustrated at the constant rejection of her novels.

As she was approaching her 70s, Joan realised that a person simply has to make things happen instead of just working and hoping. She went back to school to learn her craft and find out what she was doing wrong.

As a result her debut novel Money is Easy has now been published.

It is a love story for readers who enjoy good dialogue, an element of mystery and a strong, independent female protagonist.

Reviews are excellent with comments such as ‘I couldn’t put it down, a real page turner, perfect beach reading.’

As part of the Oswestry Library’s Learning at Lunchtime events, An Audience with Joan Shirley-Davies will take place on October 18 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.