Local Authors Showcase

The authors taking part this year are Margot Shepherd, Damiano Polcaro, Jerry Timmins and S. A. Melia.

Moving around to listen each author giving a short talk, you will get to discover some new books and support local authors. There will also be an opportunity to talk to the authors and buy their books.

Suitable for ages 16+.

About the authors

Margot Shepherd:

Margot Shepherd is a local author living near Haslemere with her husband and Springer Spaniel, Jessie. She writes historical and contemporary literary novels inspired by real events, exploring relationships and the complexities of human experience. When she isn’t writing, she’s gardening, walking in the countryside, or travelling across Europe in her motorhome—interests that often influence her work. Margot holds an MA in Creative Writing & Publishing from West Dean College. The Yellow Tail Moth is her second novel.

Damiano Polcaro:

Damiano Polcaro is a creative director, scriptwriter, and indie crime author based in Woking. After two decades shaping stories for brands, he turned to fiction, releasing his debut novel Bastard in August 2025—a darkly funny, stylish crime thriller set in modern-day London. The book earned strong reviews and an enthusiastic readership. Damiano is now working on its follow-up, Karma, alongside screenwriting projects, bringing sharp character focus and unpredictable energy to his work. Learn more at damianopolcaro.com.

Jerry Timmins:

Jerry Timmins, former BBC producer, reporter, and editor, oversaw media for the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East for 15 years. After leaving in 2010, he spent a decade consulting for governments and media owners across these regions. A professional drummer before his media career, he now plays jazz and rock in Dorking, Surrey, where he lives with his wife and two children. Educated at Kingswood School, Bath, he holds an English degree from Oxford University.

S. A. Melia:

Sally Ann Melia creates vast, cinematic worlds in her Dodecahedral Empire series—twelve human worlds filled with intrigue, danger, and hope. Her sweeping space operas explore loyalty, betrayal, and mythic journeys where power, love, and survival collide. A lifelong fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, and more recently Game of Thrones, Sally blends political drama, biological warfare, and raw human emotion. Her award-winning work has appeared in Interzone and the British Science Fiction Association.

This event is in support of the National Year of Reading.

Please note that this event will be facilitated in a way to be inclusive of everyone, including any attendees that may require additional support. If you have any additional needs or require any special assistance, please let us know prior to the event by contacting library.events@surreycc.gov.uk. The inbox is managed Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

If you are not able to or do not wish to provide us with any contact details (landline or mobile number and email address) you won’t be able to purchase a ticket online. Please visit the library that is hosting the event to purchase a ticket in person.