Eccentric debut author Mike Leaver is delighted that his first novel is proving popular.

Mike was thrilled to see so many supporters at his book signing event at Browsers Book Shop, Porthmadog on Saturday, 25 September.

Mike sold and signed copies of his intriguingly titled Nork from Nowhere modern fiction, with many fascinated to learn a little of his alternative lifestyle living in a converted, static truck on a Porthmadog business park side road.

Browsers’ owner, Sian Elen Cowper, said: “We are amazed just how quickly Mike and his debut novel are becoming a bit of a phenomenon around the area. I think we have sold more copies of his book on pre-order – even before it was officially launched UK-wide this week – than any other author, including some famous ones! Mike is an interesting guy with great tales to tell.”

Among Mike’s supporters were Jodie Connor, her mum, and her two children Oliver and Lucas (pictured) from Porthmadog, who bought two copies, one dedicated to her partner Dean Evans.

Jodie said: “ We know of Mike through my dad, so we are really interested to discover how he lives in a truck with no mains electric, but writes books like this first novel.”

Mike received his first independent local review of Nork from Sheila Chalmers, a former local Women’s Institute chair and Early Years teacher, well-known around the Porthmadog, Criccieth, and Pwllheli area.

Sheila described it as “a rollercoaster ride... that will appeal to readers who enjoy a brisk story, full of action, and peopled with a variety of characters, both good and bad... helped by a flowing narrative style and realistic dialogue”.

Single Mike, 68, a retired handyman who lives on £25 a week including his launderette costs, said: “I’m excited to think so many readers are enjoying Nork and hope they will be equally entertained by my next modern fiction novel, The Ice Cream Terrorist, which launches in late November.”

Nork from Nowhere is available locally and exclusively (£8.99) from Browsers in Porthmadog, on their website or from its publisher, The Book Guild Ltd.