AN AWARD-WINNING Ceredigion author who uses the county as inspiration for her work has launched her new collection of Welsh-language short stories to critical acclaim.

Caryl Lewis has been described as the ’Queen of Welsh Literature’ following the publication of her second book of short stories, Y Gwreiddyn.

Caryl, who was raised in Aberaeron and Dihewyd and now lives in Goginan, near Aberystwyth with her husband and three children, won the Book of the Year prize for the second time this year for her novel Y Bwthyn.

She also scooped the coveted prize in 2005 for Martha Jac a Sianco.

Y Gwreiddyn - a collection of short stories on the relationships people have with their fellows, love, loss and roots - is her second volume of short stories following Plu, published in 2008.

“I’ve always portrayed the landscape of Ceredigion in my work and tend to write about the Welsh way of life,” Caryl, an Aberystwyth University graduate told the Cambrian News.

“Writing is part of my daily routine and I enjoy being able to work from home.

“I write plays, children’s books, screenplays and novels which allows me to work with creative teams from all over Wales and beyond.

“I’ve always loved reading and I was read to as a child. I don’t think there’s a greater gift that you can give a child than the love of reading.

“I certainly am trying to pass it on to my kids.”

Read the full feature in this week’s Cambrian News, on sale on Wednesday