UWTSD master’s student celebrates launch of first novel

A talented writer and master’s student at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is celebrating the launch of her first book, Marian. 

Bethan Jones has a passion for history and writing and has always been fascinated by the legend of Robin Hood, which led her to research medieval history. Marian, published by Austin Macauley Publishers, is a novel which presents a female perspective and a new take on the legend of Robin Hood.

Bethan lives in Berkshire with her partner and their dog and is currently studying a Masters in Medieval Studies at UWTSD, as well as working full time. She lives with chronic illnesses but does not let that stop her. Her writing distracts and transports her to a different world where she can delve into the lives of her characters. Bethan, commented:

“I have always been fascinated by the legend of Robin Hood but never found a story that showed Marian as a strong, independent protagonist. We have seen some role reversal Robin Hood stories but not a separate story of Marian.

Marian is a leader in her own right and deserves to have a history of her own. Marian had a terrible childhood and built barriers to protect herself over the years. She does not see herself as a leader, but she is thrown into the role. Despite being a woman, she finds ways to take control and find power in a male-led world. Marian is filled with action, adventure, and suspense, and of course history!”

During the first Covid lockdown in 2020, Bethan decided to send her novel to several publishers having had the original idea when she was 16 years old. Bethan continued:

“It took several years to draft my novel, as I was only 16 years old when I first had the idea and I worked on it sporadically at first. I knew what I wanted as the start and end, but over time I started writing and the story just formed as I went along.

In 2020, during the first Covid lockdown, I decided to send my novel to a number of publishers. It was a lengthy process to publication due to covid delays but by July this year it was finally published. My book is now stocked with all the online retailers as well as in the Nottingham Castle shop!”

Bethan is now looking ahead to the future and completing her studies at the University. She concluded:

“I absolutely loved researching for my novel, and I already have a first draft for a sequel, however I have put this on hold for now while completing my MA in Medieval Studies at UWTSD. The research led me to start my MA at the University as I wanted to delve deeper into the history and discover interesting women throughout medieval times that I could potentially write about in the future.

I am thoroughly enjoying my course and have learnt so much about medieval history. My lecturers have been amazing, so knowledgeable and friendly, always pushing me to delve further and analyse. The next stage is my dissertation, and I cannot wait to get started on it!”

Bethan’s novel is available here:

Marian: Amazon.co.uk: Bethan Jones: 9781398415317: Books

Further Information

For more information please contact Arwel Lloyd, Principal PR and Communications Officer, on 07384 467076 / arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk