Communion – Coming April 2026
My debut novel Communion will be released in April 2026 via Atlantic Books.
You didn’t go to the seminary to become a priest, the rector had explained on their first morning. You went to learn what God was asking of you.
When Mack O’Brien left his home in Port Talbot for the seminary as a teenager, he didn’t imagine he’d be back a decade later, unordained and at war with his faith. Back in his childhood bedroom, he remains committed to the idea of a moral life, but isn’t entirely sure what that looks like.
He takes a job as a security guard at the local steelworks and begins an uneasy transition into the world of industry, brotherhood, and community he once rejected. When the men of the steelworks organise an unprecedented strike in protest against job cuts, he goes along with it. Meanwhile, his mother watches footage of past catastrophes and prays for the dead.
The last person Mack expects to see in the local club is Siwan Roderick – the woman who appeared out of the blue at the seminary one day to make a confession and swore him to secrecy. Mack kept his word. But as the day of the strike nears, tensions in the town escalate and allegiances are tested. Mack’s loyalty to Siwan and his desperation to do the right thing will change both of their lives forever.
Read more about Communion on the Atlantic Books website, including pre-order options.
W&A Working-Class Writers’ Prize 2023
I’m delighted and a little stunned to have won the W&A Working-Class Writers’ Prize 2023 with my novel-in-progress, TENEBRAE. Judge Kasim Ali had some very kind words to say:
This is such an electric piece of writing. There is an energy here that is hard to emulate. I love the descriptions, the dialogue, the way it moves. It is a wonderful, brilliant piece of work. Just brilliant. This is someone with a voice, with something to say, with a natural talent.
As of writing, I’m hard at work on the manuscript, with a view to seeking representation sometime in early 2024. Do reach out if you are interested in working together.
Tenebrae – Trailer
Reflecting on my time as part of Literature Wales’ Representing Wales programme, I put together a short film inspired by my novel-in-progress, Tenebrae, filmed around my hometown of Port Talbot. Watch it below:
Literature Wales’ Representing Wales 2022-23
I’m honoured to be a part of Literature Wales’ Representing Wales programme 2022-23, where I will be working on my debut novel under the mentorship of Tom Bullough.
Literature Wales Writers Bursary
I’m very pleased and grateful to have been awarded one of Literature Wales 2019 Writers’ Bursaries.
You can read about the scheme here, and find out about the recipients here.
Reading at Dylan Thomas’s House
I’m excited to be reading at the house where Dylan Thomas was born, alongside some of the finest literary talents in Wales. Come along on the 28th March for what should be a fun evening.
