A STAUNTON-based novelist celebrated the publication of her most recent novel at an event attended by the local community.

Author, Carole Susan Smith celebrated the publication of her eleventh book “Gigs and Girltalk” at The White Horse Inn, Staunton on October 24 from 12pm until 3pm.

This is the third book in the Luck’s Wood Trilogy, a series which Carole has been working hard on for some time. The event was supported by locals including, local band Stickler who are based in the Forest of Dean. The cover of Gigs and Girltalk was taken of, and by Stickler. They are an alternative rock, grunge, and post-punk band forged in the Wye Valley.

Carole’s passion for writing was discovered in 2014 when she pursued this creative avenue. Before she led an active career which involved travel and work in the UK, the Middle East, Siberia and much of Europe.

Not only are the books written by a local author but they include references to the Forest of Dean and Monmouth which contribute towards a strong link between her writing and setting of the novels.

All The three books in the trilogy are based on The Warrington Family.

Luck’s Wood is where The Warrington Family move from Birmingham to Luck’s Wood, a fictitious village in the Forest of Dean. In Flying Solo, the couple split up and eventually both find new partners and in Gigs and Girltalk this story focuses on Becca, the daughter, who goes to University of Bristol . She is training to become a Occupational Therapist and one of her placements is in Monmouth, she also does voluntary work in Gaza, which doesn’t end well. Becca was adopted by the Warrington’s and one theme in the novel covers the exploration of her birth parents.