Move over, Harry! (From Penarth Times)

Move over, Harry!

A TALENTED Penarth author is hoping to give Harry Potter creator J K Rowling a run for her money.

Janet Marsh, 58, of Coleridge Avenue, is launching into the children's market with her first novel, Free Play.

Mrs Marsh, who taught English at St Cyres School for 20 years until 1997, is releasing the book at a time when the Harry Potter novels are still dazzling the top end of the charts.

The children's market is notoriously difficult to break into. Mrs Marsh has solved the problem by launching Free Play through her own desktop publishing company, Coleridge Press.

The book, targeted at youngsters aged 10 to 14, was officially launched on Tuesday at St Cyres.

It tells the story of Matthew Gooding, a boy moving from junior to secondary school, and the adjustments that this means to his friendship and home life. It also presents bullying and racism issues and will please those interested in the world of computer games.

Janet, now a part time tutor at the University College Swansea, has always had a keen interest in fiction for teenagers, though this is her first venture into writing for children. She said: "I had some success with magazine stories a few years ago and in May I was runner up in a monologue competition. I like to write fiction based on the issues that concern youngsters. Those who are not normally keen readers will often respond well to issues and situations they can relate to.

"At Coleridge Press, we normally produce only English resource materials for classroom teaching throughout the UK. However, I thought marketing my book through this imprint might be a good idea."

Free Play, produced in paperback and priced at £3.50 is on sale at local bookshops or is available direct from Coleridge Press, 38 Coleridge Avenue, Penarth, CF64 2SP.