A SCREENWRITER and producer from Penarth is set to turn his hand to novel writing as he prepares for the launch of his first book.

Phil Rowlands has written a psychological thriller set in Wales and Siena for his first novel and will be launching it in Penarth next week.

The book entitled "Siena" will be launched at an event hosted by Griffin Books at Waterloo Tea on Stanwell Road at 7pm on Thursday, October 12.

Speaking about why he wrote the book, he said: "I have always been interested in the psychology of emotions and its fragile balance of opposites.

"The cause and effect of extremes. Love and hate, joy and despair, desperation and hope and the resilience and diversity of the human spirit to face and overcome the seemingly impossible.

"In Siena, I wanted to explore, grief and loss as well as love and the need for retribution.

"Sara, the main character has to face the worst thing that could ever happen happening, the unthinkable becoming a reality.

"It is her journey from desolation to hope that is the theme of the book.

"How she gets there, who helps or hinders along the way is the heart of the story."

The event is free but ticketed and tickets can be booked at ticketsource.co.uk.