John Evans' new novel 'Giants' was launched here live online on January 28th. Visitors to the site on that day were able to download a free copy of the book and talk to John about his work.
Judging by your reaction, and that of the media, the launch was an outstanding success – we had around 3,000 visitors here on the day! We hope you all enjoyed your free copy of 'Giants', and managed to get to talk to John. If you missed out, the book is now on sale in all leading bookshops, or you can order direct from us.
If you've missed all the publicity about the book, a feature which appeared in the 'Western Mail' can be seen at the 'totalwales' website, and you can find here a copy of the interview with John from the February edition of the 'Big Issue'.
The first reviews of 'Giants' are also starting to appear - read here Gwyn Griffitths' review which appeared in the 'Morning Star'.
Another new website is being created at http://www.johnevans.org.uk. The site, which is being created in a combined Underground Press and Valleys Artworks effort, will also be run with John's full involvment and approval - making that 2 "official" sites, and of course 'Hardcore' the "unofficial" site.
A new newsgroup has also been set-up by some of John Evans readers to discuss his writing. Please click here to join in the discussions at the newsgroup: alt.books.john-evans. If your newserver isn't carrying the group yet, get in touch with them to ask them to add it to their list.
John continues to write for a range of magazines and newspapers here in the UK. In 1999, he was asked to write a feature for the special St. David's Day edition of the 'Big Issue' to give his views on the future for Wales as the nation enters the new millennium. Given its special significance, we've published here a copy of the feature 'Wales What?' .
Those of you living in South Wales might have also been reading John Evans' weekly column 'Valleys View' every Wednesday in the 'South Wales Echo'. In his usual forthright way John has been shining the spotlight right where its needed – on the Welsh Assembly, the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh music scene, Tony Blair, British Coal, etc.!! If you haven't seen the column yet you're missing a treat! John's column on Welsh new band Terris has been published online at their web site in the press clippings.
John is also now featured in a permanent exhibition at the Pontypridd Historical & Cultural Centre. The display also include photographs, books etc. John will be appearing alongside other Ponty' "greats" ranging from Wales' Outside-half Neil Jenkins, the infamous druid Dr. William Price, to Tom Jones!
John is also booked to perform in the Cardiff Bay Literature Festival in April 2000. Anyone wanting further details about the festival, or other literary events taking place in Wales, should check out the link to the 'Academi' supremo Peter Finch which can also be found on this site. Peter is also one of the few decent poets writing in Wales today, so be sure to take a look at his work.
There was recently an excellent profile by Andrew Hedgecock on the the life and work of John Evans on the 'TimeOut' website. For anyone who missed it, the full text of the aptly titled 'Trashing the Heritage Museum' can be found on this site. Thanks to Andrew for making that available.
Despite his hectic schedule, John still manages to give some of his valuable time to encouraging young writers and artists develop their creative talents through the Valleys Artworks Project he set up some years ago. In recognition of this "contribution to the community" he recently received a Whitbread Volunteer Action Award.
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