Magic and writing come together at McLeods Booksellers

Gareth Ward, a.k.a The Great Wardini, will be at McLeods Booksellers. Photo/Supplied

Magic and writing will come together at McLeods Booksellers next Friday with The Great Wardini.

Gareth Ward, aka The Great Wardini, is a magician, hypnotist, storyteller, bookseller and author.

He lives in Havelock North but is originally from the United Kingdom.

His first novel,The Traitor and the Thief, a young adult Steampunk adventure, won the 2016 Storylines Tessa Duder Award.

The Traitor and the Thief has received stand out reviews in the press and is on its third print run in under three months.

He will be performing magic, talking about writing Steampunk and signing books at 4pm on Friday November 10 at McLeods Booksellers, 1148 Pukuatua St.

Gareth says Rotorua is a special place for him.

"It was in a thermal pool in Rotorua that I made the decision to emigrate with my family from the UK to New Zealand, and I've never looked back."

He says he has fond memories of Rotorua.

"I look forward to sharing my love of magic and writing at McLeods Booksellers."

Gareth says he started magic when his children were little and enjoyed it.

So much so, that he joined the Lincoln Society of Magicians while still in the United Kingdom.

When came to New Zealand he started performing as a semi-professional magician.

Gareths says he has been writing for all of his life and gets most of his inspiration when he is walking his dog.

"I think your brain goes somewhere else. It's relaxing."