Those wishing to learn more about the skills of writing romances and novels in Maltese will have the opportunity to meet an established author to discuss some of the skills involved in prose writing.

Jesmond Grech started his literary career writing books for children. He won the second prize in the Premju Letterarju 2000 with Bongi Wongi and Versi ohra ghat-Tfal. Some time later, he started the series Kotba tal-Qalb with the first romance published being Gideb u Mhabba. This eventually featured as a teleserial on local television. His most popular romances in Maltese are Mhabba Strangiera, Mhabba mill-Gdid u Mignuna l-Imhabba. Grech is also a regular contributor in Il-Gens Illum and magazines such as Ir-Raff and Wots Up.

The author is presently a subject co-ordinator in history. He graduated with a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Education from the University of Malta. He then undertook a creative writing course at Frostburg State University, and followed by a course in short story writing at the London School of Journalism. Grech is also member of PEN and the Akkademja tal-Malti. He is married to Mary and has two children - Julian and Cristina.

Grech will give a lecture in Maltese about the skills of writing romances and novels in Maltese at the Bir Mula Heritage, 79, St Margerita Street, Cospicua, on September 27 at 7.30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend. Admission is free.

After the lecture those who will avail themselves of the author's publications will have the chance of having it signed by the author.