Penarth's independent bookshop, Griffin Books, is using online conferencing facilities to host live MEET THE AUTHOR events during the lockdown and Jeffrey Archer is taking to the virtual stage this week.

The shop has cancelled its planned author events for the next few months due to government advice surrounding COVID-19, but that isn't going to stop them from bringing you some of the best writing talents from across the UK.

Online Meet the Author events will take place every Wednesday evening and are facilitated by the Zoom video conference app, so you don't even have to leave your living room to attend.

Events have already taken place with multi-talented writer Katherine Stansfield, Welsh poet, playwright and author Owen Sheers, and author and Keeping Faith screenwriter, Matthew Hall.

The impressive line-up for May includes Jeffrey Archer (6 May), Kiran Millwood Hargrave (13 May), Janice Hadlow (20 May) and Clare Mackintosh (27 May).

With 37 books, 275 million copies sold and 26 Sunday Times number one bestsellers to his name, Jeffrey Archer is a global publishing phenomenon.

His first novel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, was published in 1975 and was sold to 17 countries within a year. Jeffrey has served five years in the House of Commons and twenty-eight years in the House of Lords.

His latest book, Nothing Ventured, is the first in a new series which tells the story of the life of William Warwick, a family man and a detective who must battle against a powerful criminal nemesis.

The hardback of Nothing Ventured was a Top Ten global bestseller and delighted readers around the world.

Jeffrey will be speaking to Griffin Books owner, Mel Griffin, on Wednesday 6 May before taking questions from our virtual audience.

An event not to be missed.

Also stepping into Griffin Books' virtual bookshop in May is: Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Times Number 1 Bestseller The Mercies - a story of love, evil, and obsession inspired by the real events of the Vardø storm and the 1621 witch trials; Janice Hadlow whose debut novel 'The Other Bennet Sister' is required reading for all Austen obsessives - witty and uplifting, it will make you feel – and cheer – for Mary Bennet as you never have before; and number one bestselling author Clare Mackintosh whose latest novel, After the End, spent seven weeks in the Sunday Times hardback bestseller chart.

Events will be held via Zoom video conference call on Wednesday evenings at 8.00 pm.

Tickets cost £5 and include a discount on book purchases. Numbers will be limited so that 'attendees' are able to get the best event experience.

For more information, and to book tickets, visit Griffin Books website or call the shop on 029 2070 6455 (10.00 am - 4.00 pm).