A DEVON author, who specialises in breathing life into true stories from Devon’s past, is looking forward to a busy summer.

Liz Shakespeare will be attending a number of events this summer to sign copies of her books and to talk to members of the public.

“Writing is a solitary activity,” Liz said, “so I really look forward to opportunities to meet readers when I give talks or attend book signings throughout Devon.”

Liz, who lives in Littleham, has a long Devon ancestry which she feels has given her a good understanding of the county and its people.

She has been writing for 35 years, and has written seven books set in Devon, bringing to life the stories she finds in old newspapers, on gravestones and in parish records.

Her most recent book, “The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones”, tells the true story of a 19th century Torrington scandal.

“I was fascinated by a report of the event in a Victorian newspaper,” said Liz. “A disorderly crowd of 3,000 people burnt effigies of a man and a woman on Torrington Common.  I researched the story, and came to the conclusion that the woman, Lucy Jones, was innocent of any wrongdoing.”

Liz will be signing copies of all seven of her books at the charity craft fair at Clovelly Parish Hall on July 20, Clovelly Maritime Festival on July 21, Launceston Show on July 25, in the Magpie Marquee at the Mid Devon Show on July 27, Appledore Craft Fair on August 3, Hartland Farmers’ Market on August 4, North Devon Show on August 7, Okehampton Show on August 8, Chagford Show on August 15, Ashwater Show on August 17, Holsworthy Show on August 22, Appledore Craft Market on August 24, Lustleigh Show on August 26, Hartland Farmers’ Market on September 1, and Clovelly Lobster and Crab Feast on September 8.

Liz will also be appearing at the Appledore Book Festival on September 19.

Liz’s books can also be ordered post-free from her website: www.lizshakespeare.co.uk .