Mold writer PJ Roscoe continues to explore the spiritual with her new novel

Paula, who has just published her fifth novel, is also a qualified counsellor, holistic therapist, chakradance facilitator, drumming facilitator, healer and medium, and making contact with the dead is all part of the job for this multifaceted mum.

"I've been seeing ghosts from a very young age and being a medium and living around spirit my whole life, it all seems quite normal," says Paula, who writes under the pen name PJ Roscoe. "I write supernatural historical thrillers and faerie books for young children. I aim to entice emotion through all of my books, using strong women characters, historical facts and paranormal subjects."

Paula, 48, lives in Gwernaffield with her husband of 26 years, Martin, and has been writing paranormal, historical fiction since the tragic death of their son, Jac, 22 years ago, but didn't take it seriously until her first novel, Echoes, began to win awards. When her historical novel, Diary of Margery Blake also won the Marie M. Irvine Literary Excellence award in 2017, she realised writing could become the focus of her career.

"When I first started trying to get published the traditional way no one would have me, but self-publishing was frowned upon," she says. "After a few years, I noticed the shift and even though I do send out queries to agents, I don't beat myself up about getting a rejection. Times are tough and there is so much competition out there. I wanted to see my stories in print, regardless of publishers and agents because I know I am a great storyteller, even if they won't give me a chance.

"If only a handful of people want to read my stories, then that is extremely humbling, to have a lot of people baying for my next one is overwhelmingly joyous."

Paula's latest book, Where Rivers Meet, is a supernatural romance set among the ruthless realities of Wales' 19th century copper mines, in which Abigail Lloyd, a talented, grief-stricken young artist, returns to the Welsh village where she had spent many happy years with her beloved grandmother.

"I set Where Rivers Meet in Beddgelert in Snowdonia because it is my favourite place to be out of season," says Paula, who holds regular healing workshops and a monthly drumming circle. "The drive from Mold is astoundingly breathtaking and I feel my spirit lift as we drive the route.

"I was fascinated by the Sygun Copper Mines, which you can explore alone, following the path inside the mountain. I could feel the atmosphere of the mines and sensed the spirits of the miners and I just had to write a story around it.

"My readers are always asking me to write a love story, as although I have relationships within my books, I don't always make it as clear cut as some readers would like, so just for them, I wrote a romance but of course, it's me, it will probably have a twist!"

Where Rivers Meet was originally supposed to Paula's third novel but a number of factors led to it being delayed.

"I wrote Where Rivers Meet in about six months on and off and spent weeks doing research. Every book I've written I go to the place where it's set and learn as much as I can. My husband and I even re-enact scenes to see if they would work and I can remember running down the steps at Shrewsbury Cathedral to see how long it took!

"I actually finished the book three years ago, but it's been bounced around between my two publishers and waiting in queues. It's an odd feeling going back to something I created after such a long time, but it's therapeutic too as I find things that needed changing or expanding, sub plots that need adding and I think I've created a much better story."

Paula is also currently working on her first non-fiction book, Thirteen Hauntings, along with her fourth faerie book for children of the Adventures of Faerie Folk series and is finishing her sixth novel. Not bad for someone who turned to writing to recover from the grief of losing her son at birth.

"Jac's death is really what started me out on my journey," she remembers. "I didn't think I could continue living, but I began doodling, which became a short story, which became a 165,000 word novel. I realised it was what was getting me through the day. Life is to be lived, never merely exist. If you are not happy, then change your life. Live, love and be kind and compassionate. Smile more and spread the love."

As for her first foray into nonfiction, Paula is enjoying her ghostly investigations as she visits 13 supposedly haunted locations throughout Wales and England, including a recent trip Mold's former Party Shop, which has long been believed to be a hive of spectral goings on.

"I could hear a little girl laughing as she bolted a door," adds Paula, confirming staff who used to work at the shop's belief that the shop was haunted by a young child. "There's no doubt it's the scene of paranormal activity."

Where Rivers Meet is available in all good book shops and is being launched with an event at Loggerheads Country Park on May 25 between 1pm-3pm, which will feature book readings and a raffle. For more information go to